Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Launches National Low Cost Housing Scheme

May 1, 2026 Diplomats World

Report by ; Naeem Mehboob

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Inaugurates Landmark Housing Initiative

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif officially launched the “Prime Minister Apna Ghar Scheme” on Thursday, fulfilling a key government pledge to provide affordable housing for the poor and middle-class segments of society. During the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized that providing shelter to the common man remains the government’s top priority. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and members of Parliament. This initiative is designed to address the significant housing deficit in the country by offering accessible financial assistance to those currently without their own property.

Financing Details and Multi-Year Roadmap for National Housing Development

The government has set an ambitious target to facilitate the construction of 500,000 houses over the next four years. For the inaugural year, a target of 50,000 houses has been established, supported by an initial allocation of 321 billion rupees. The total financing volume for the entire project is projected to reach 3.2 trillion rupees. Under the scheme, eligible citizens can secure loans of up to 10 million rupees for the construction of houses on plots measuring up to 10 marlas. This long-term financial roadmap is intended to provide a stable framework for large-scale residential development across all administrative units of Pakistan.

Affordable Markup Rates and Extended Loan Repayment Terms

To ensure the feasibility of the project for low-income earners, the Prime Minister announced highly favorable loan terms. The repayment period for the housing loans is set at 20 years. For the first decade of the loan, a subsidized markup rate of 5 percent will be applied to keep installments manageable. During the subsequent ten years, the markup will transition to prevailing market rates. The Prime Minister stated that the application process has been simplified to encourage wider participation, and he warned that banks showing negligence in processing these loans would face strict scrutiny, while high-performing banks would be recognized with national awards.

Nationwide Implementation Scope Including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir

The Prime Minister emphasized that the “Apna Ghar Scheme” is a national initiative with a broad geographical reach. It will be implemented simultaneously in the federal capital Islamabad, all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of the housing project extend to every corner of the country, regardless of regional boundaries. The Prime Minister noted that participants from Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were among the first group of successful candidates to receive their loan checks during the ceremony, symbolizing the federated nature of the program.

Economic Implications for the Construction Industry and Employment

Highlighting the broader economic impact, Prime Minister Sharif noted that the construction sector serves as a vital engine for national economic growth. The launch of such a massive housing project is expected to stimulate dozens of allied industries, ranging from steel and cement to furniture and finishing materials. This industrial activity is projected to create significant employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled laborers alike. The Prime Minister reiterated that the government is also encouraging exporters by providing incentives, such as blue passports and official recognition, to further integrate the construction boom with global trade objectives.

Monthly Performance Reviews to Ensure Timely Project Implementation

To guarantee the success of the initiative, the Prime Minister pledged to conduct a personal review of the scheme’s progress on a monthly basis. These reviews will focus on removing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring that loan disbursements are made in a timely and transparent manner. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Federal Finance Minister, the Minister for Housing, and the Governor of the State Bank for their tireless efforts in finalizing the scheme. He reaffirmed his commitment to resolving any issues that may arise during the implementation phase to ensure that the vision of “home for everyone” is realized.

Historical Continuity and Institutional Support for Housing Initiatives

The Prime Minister characterized the “Apna Ghar” project as a continuation of his previous successful housing models, such as the “Ashiana” scheme in Punjab. He noted that while there were many initial challenges in launching a national version, these were resolved through close consultation with the private sector and relevant stakeholders. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada also addressed the ceremony, stating that the launch follows a year of rigorous preparation. The government views this scheme as a gift to those who aspire to own a home, providing a dignified and secure living environment for the nation’s 240 million citizens.