The Punjab government has directed the housing department to draft new legislation aimed at expanding affordable housing and improving homeownership access across the province.
The initiative will integrate low-cost housing into both public and private sector development projects, ensuring that new homes are built in areas with access to schools, healthcare, transportation, and essential utilities.Â
The legislation will establish a standardised regulatory framework across all development authorities in Punjab, including the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), Central Business District Authority (CBDA), and district-level entities, to ensure uniformity in housing standards and equal opportunities.
The new regulations will also incorporate mandates for Corporate Social Responsibility, requiring developers to allocate a portion of their projects to affordable housing. This move aims to promote inclusive urban growth and align with the government’s focus on sustainable development and social equity.
In addition, the ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’ programme, which provides interest-free loans for low-income families, continues to grow. With over 60,000 households benefiting and more than 1.5 million applications received, the programme has surpassed its target for the 2024-25 fiscal year.Â
Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal commended the programme’s progress, stating that it is being implemented fairly and without discrimination.
