Punjab govt begins ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ scheme rollout

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, expressed her gratitude to her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, for his unwavering commitment to public service and his role in initiating the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme.

At an event held in Lahore today, CM Maryam Nawaz attributed the success of the scheme to Nawaz Sharif’s enduring vision for Pakistan’s development, which she said began in the 1980s and continues today.

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“Nawaz Sharif’s government in Punjab and the Federation has laid the foundation for Pakistan’s progress. The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme is his brainchild, designed to provide affordable housing to the people,” Maryam said.

She announced that the first instalment of the project will be rolled out within a month and a half, signalling rapid progress for the Rs 700 billion initiative aimed at constructing 500,000 homes over the next five years.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the overwhelming public response, with 500,000 applications already received. Under the scheme, applicants can obtain loans starting from Rs 500,000 by presenting land documents, with a merit-based lottery system to be drawn every month. “We are working day and night to ensure this dream becomes a reality, just as my father taught me to pursue dreams through hard work,” she added.

She reassured the public that Nawaz Sharif personally receives daily updates on the project, stressing that his focus has always been on serving the people. “Nawaz Sharif has instructed me to spend all my time in public service, and this is precisely what we are doing.”

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On the national front, Maryam Nawaz praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his relentless efforts, stating, “The country is now in a position to take off, and inflation has come down significantly. There is talk of development, and new plans are being introduced.”

Maryam Nawaz also took the opportunity to address her critics, accusing certain groups of spreading chaos instead of focusing on national progress. “Some are busy inciting violence while we are working for the people. Instead of contributing to the province, they engage in negative politics,” she remarked.

She dismissed recent protests as largely ineffective, claiming that despite calls for demonstrations, few have shown up. “Even today, only a handful of people turned out for their protest. They held a rally in Lahore, but no more than 2,000 people attended,” she said. Emphasising her stance, she added, “Politics can be allowed, but not terrorism.”

In a clear message to opposition groups, she noted, “They have been trained not to work, but to obstruct development. However, we will not be deterred.”

The Chief Minister also announced the launch of a children’s heart surgery programme, under which many from underprivileged backgrounds have already benefited. “Punjab’s heart is big,” she said. “We welcome everyone from across Pakistan, whether they come for treatment, education, or employment. But if you come with the intention of causing harm, that will not be tolerated.”

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Maryam Nawaz concluded, “We will continue to serve, no matter the challenges, just as Nawaz Sharif has always done. Our doors are open to those in need, and our efforts will not be derailed by those trying to sow discord.”