Punjab’s interest-free home repair loan scheme draws over 37,000 applications

Lahore: Punjab’s “Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat” programme is rapidly gaining public attention, with more than 37,000 people already submitting applications for interest-free loans aimed at house repair, new floor construction, and additional rooms. Under the scheme, eligible applicants can receive Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1 million, with monthly installments of around Rs. 4,700 on a Rs. 500,000 loan and Rs. 9,300 on a Rs. 1 million loan. Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said the wider “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme has also crossed 1.336 million applications, while nearly Rs. 226 billion has already been distributed among 174,842 people. The initiative can strengthen low-income housing, construction activity, and public confidence. Will this scheme widen affordable home ownership in Punjab?