LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the introduction of a new housing support category, “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” (My Home, Safe Home), aimed at strengthening unsafe residential buildings and preventing tragedies similar to the recent building collapse in Kahna.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the chief minister to review progress on the government’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) housing programme.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that Rs217.8 billion had been released for the implementation of the housing scheme.

Interest-Free Loans for Housing

According to an official statement, the meeting approved interest-free loans on easy instalments for more than 180,000 homeless families under the flagship housing programme.

The statement added that homeowners living in dilapidated or structurally unsafe houses would be eligible for financial assistance of Rs500,000 to strengthen and improve their homes.

In addition, individuals planning to construct a new house or add another floor to an existing home will be able to obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million through affordable instalment plans.

Focus on Safer Housing

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government would assist citizens in making weak and unsafe buildings structurally secure.

She emphasized that negligence in the implementation of the provincial government’s flagship development projects would not be tolerated.

The chief minister also directed officials to ensure that low-income families are not burdened financially and instructed that the existing eligibility criteria and loan procedures should not be made more difficult for applicants.

She said effective governance is demonstrated through practical measures rather than statements, stressing that timely action is essential during times of crisis.