Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the historic success of the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Program, under which over 9,000 people across Punjab have received interest-free loans worth more than Rs8.5 billion. The initiative aims to provide affordable housing to the people of Punjab, with thousands of homes already under construction.
“Seeing the houses built under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Program gives me great pleasure, as if I am building my own house,” said the chief minister, expressing her satisfaction with the program’s progress. She added, “I want no one in Punjab to remain homeless. The state is like a mother, and mothers feel more for their homeless children.”
The program has received over 400,000 applications through its dedicated portal, with 5,000 loans issued in Phase-I and 3,000 loans already disbursed in Phase-II. The loans, capped at Rs1.5 million, are repayable in nine years with monthly installments of Rs14,000. The chief minister emphasized that the loans are granted purely on merit, with no recommendations or favoritism involved.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to accelerate the construction of houses, setting a target of completing 100,000 homes within a year and 500,000 homes in five years. She also highlighted the establishment of a web portal (acag.punjab.gov.pk) and a helpline (0800-09100) to assist applicants.
Clean Energy Initiatives in Punjab
In her message on World Clean Energy Day, the chief minister highlighted Punjab’s transition to renewable energy through the CM Solar Panel Program. She stated, “Clean and renewable energy is crucial to our survival. Punjab is being ushered into a new era of clean and green energy by moving away from fossil fuels.”
The solarization of agricultural tube wells is a key component of the program, aimed at providing affordable energy to farmers. Additionally, the Punjab government has acquired 27 electric buses and placed an order for 500 more as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Many government offices, including the Chief Minister’s Office, have already been shifted to renewable energy.
Maryam Nawaz also announced the introduction of Punjab’s first comprehensive environmental policy, with clean energy as a central focus. “Clean energy guarantees a bright and safe future for the coming generations,” she said.
The chief minister also paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for their successful operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the elimination of 30 militants. “The entire nation stands by our security forces in the fight against terrorism,” she said, commending their efforts to ensure peace and stability.
