Pakistan has officially launched its first-ever Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar Program, a unique housing initiative designed to provide free residential plots and affordable home-building loans to homeless families. The program was inaugurated by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Punjab on the request of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marking a major step toward supporting low-income households through transparent and modern digital processes.
Historic Launch Through Digital Technology
During the inauguration ceremony, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif officially launched the scheme through a digital touch system, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, a fully digital lottery system was introduced to allocate plots under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar initiative.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was also present at the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming promises into practical, impactful programs for the people of Punjab.
Winners Receive Congratulations From Leadership
After the digital balloting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally called Rukhsana Bibi from Attock, congratulating her on winning a free residential plot. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also spoke to her over the phone, telling her that she had successfully received a plot through the transparent digital draw. The emotional call left Rukhsana Bibi expressing deep gratitude and prayers for both leaders.
Another beneficiary, Mero Mai from Tehsil Mandi Yazman in Bahawalpur, also received a congratulatory call from Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Her husband, Ramesh Lal, expressed joy and admiration for the leadership. During the call, Nawaz Sharif humorously asked, “Do you know me?” to which Ramesh Lal replied, “You are our greatest national leader,” capturing the emotional connection between citizens and leadership.
Affordable Home-Building Loans for Plot Winners
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that families who receive a three-marla plot will also be eligible for a home construction loan of 1.5 million rupees. This loan can be repaid in easy monthly installments of 14,000 rupees over nine years, making home ownership possible even for the most financially challenged families.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that these are not just political statements but practical steps toward fulfilling promises made to the people of Punjab.
Distribution of 2,000 Plots Across 19 Districts
Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin shared detailed statistics about the first phase of the program. A total of 2,000 beneficiaries received plots across 23 housing schemes in 19 districts of Punjab. The distribution included:
- Jhelum: 730 plots
- Kasur: 388 plots
- Faisalabad: 257 plots
- Lodhran: 219 plots
- Okara: 130 plots
- Layyah: 55 plots
- Bhakkar: 52 plots
- Sahiwal: 33 plots
- Sargodha: 25 plots
- Khushab: 24 plots
- Bahawalnagar: 20 plots
- Mandi Bahauddin: 17 plots
- Rajanpur: 15 plots
- Attock: 11 plots
- Gujarat: 8 plots
- Bahawalpur: 7 plots
- Jhang: 4 plots
- Vehari: 4 plots
- Chiniot: 2 plots
This distribution marks the beginning of a large-scale effort to provide secure housing to thousands of low-income families.
A Transparent and Foolproof Verification System
To maintain transparency, the government adopted a foolproof verification process. More than 483,000 individuals registered, and over 257,000 applications were submitted for the first phase alone. Every applicant underwent screening and verification through NADRA’s district field staff, ensuring only eligible individuals qualified for the lottery.
Following strict evaluation, 18,308 applicants were declared eligible for the draw.
Massive Public Response Through Digital Platforms
The public showed overwhelming interest in the housing program. Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar App, more than 1.8 million people across Punjab used the online system to access information. Out of them, 970,000 individuals registered, and 118,000 applicants received loans worth 145 billion rupees under this initiative.
A New Hope for Homeless Families in Punjab
The launch of the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar program signifies a new chapter for homeless and low-income families in Pakistan. Through transparent digital balloting, affordable loans, and inclusive eligibility systems, the government aims to ensure that every deserving citizen has access to safe and secure housing.
This groundbreaking initiative not only empowers families but also reflects a strong vision for a more inclusive and dignified future for the people of Punjab.
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