Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the introduction of a new housing initiative, “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” (My Home, Safe Home), aimed at preventing building collapse incidents such as the recent Kahna tragedy by helping homeowners strengthen unsafe and dilapidated structures.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials approved the addition of the “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” category to the province’s flagship “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) housing programme.
Rs217.8 Billion Allocated
During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that Rs217.8 billion has been allocated for the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme.
The meeting also approved interest-free, easy-installment loans for more than 180,000 homeless families, enabling eligible beneficiaries to build or acquire homes under the government’s housing initiative.
Financial Assistance for Unsafe Homes
According to an official statement, homeowners with dilapidated or structurally unsafe houses will be eligible to receive Rs500,000 to strengthen and make their homes safer.
In addition, families wishing to construct a new house or add an additional floor will be able to obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million, repayable through easy installments.
The government said the measures are intended to improve housing safety while making home construction more affordable for low-income families.
CM Stresses Better Governance
Addressing the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government would assist citizens in reinforcing weak or unsafe buildings to reduce the risk of future structural failures.
She emphasized that no negligence would be tolerated in the implementation of the provincial government’s flagship development projects.
The chief minister also directed officials not to impose additional financial burdens on low-income citizens or make the loan application process more difficult.
“In times of crisis, good governance is demonstrated through practical action rather than statements,” she said.
Background
The initiative follows public concern over the Kahna building collapse, which renewed attention to the safety of aging and poorly constructed residential buildings.
By expanding the existing housing programme to include financial support for structural improvements, the Punjab government aims to reduce the risk of similar incidents while improving the safety and resilience of homes across the province.
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