Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched ‘Apna Ghar’ housing scheme in Islamabad on Thursday. The five-year initiative aims to provide subsidised bank loans up to Rs10 million for 500,000 houses at an estimated cost of Rs3.2 trillion.
The government says the scheme is designed not only to address Pakistan’s housing shortage but also to boost employment and stimulate construction-related industries. Housing a basic right of every citizen, the prime minister said the scheme will be implemented nationwide, including all four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Applications opened on April 29 with an aim to facilitate 50,000 homes in the first year alone. Borrowers will have up to 20 years to repay the loan. Under the scheme, applicants can secure financing of up to Rs10 million but must arrange at least 10% of the property’s cost themselves.
The loan structure is divided into four tiers and offers flexibility for different housing needs. To qualify, applicants must be salaried individuals with at least six months of employment or business owners with two years of experience. Banks will assess applicants’ income and expenses to ensure they can comfortably repay monthly instalments.
Once the loan is fully repaid, borrowers will receive a no-objection certificate (NOC) and full ownership rights. The government says the initiative will not only provide affordable housing but also create jobs, accelerate construction activity, and support broader economic growth.