PM seeks faster Apna Ghar approvals as housing loans hit Rs11bn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed banks to accelerate the processing of applications under the Apna Ghar housing scheme after loan disbursements under the programme reached Rs11 billion.

Chairing a review meeting, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Housing and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to simplify application procedures and make the financing process more accessible for prospective homeowners.

Officials informed the meeting that 67,900 applications had been received from across the country, of which 16,587 had been approved. Loans have so far been disbursed to 3,146 beneficiaries under the scheme.

According to the briefing, applications increased markedly after the government simplified the programme's rules and regulations in March.

The meeting was also informed that the SBP has directed commercial banks to process Apna Ghar applications within 15 days in an effort to reduce delays.

Shehbaz said the increasing number of applicants reflected public confidence in the initiative and expressed hope that continued progress would help more deserving families secure home ownership.

He said the scheme would also support economic activity by boosting the construction sector and related industries.

To improve access to the programme, the prime minister directed authorities to expand public awareness campaigns and asked provincial governments to establish facilitation desks at the district level to assist applicants in obtaining land ownership documents required for financing.

Officials said a digital hub, facilitation centres and other administrative measures were being introduced to further speed up loan processing.

The meeting was further informed that parliament had recently approved condominium and financial institution recovery laws, which are expected to address legal impediments in the housing sector and facilitate future growth in housing finance.

A dedicated digital portal has also been launched to monitor implementation of the scheme.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers, the SBP governor, presidents and chief executive officers of banks, provincial chief secretaries and senior government officials.