Lahore (Bureau Report):
The Punjab government has announced additional facilities and concessions for beneficiaries of its “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, which provides interest-free loans for housing. A high-level meeting was held under the leadership of DG PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan, with the participation of program director Mirza Waleed Baig and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, representatives from Akhuwat, NSRP, and other microfinance institutions presented practical suggestions. DG Sikandar Zeeshan instructed officials to finalize the SOPs for implementing the concessions promptly.
It was recommended that beneficiaries who repay their loans early be granted up to a 20% concession. Proposals also included loan forgiveness in the event of death and concessions for individuals who become disabled during the loan period.
DG PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan said that, under the guidance of the Chief Minister Punjab, the government is planning to make loan repayment easier, and the concessions will apply if a 10-year loan is repaid within 3 to 6 years. He reminded that under the program, citizens are provided interest-free loans of up to PKR 1.5 million for 10 years. The finalized SOPs will soon be submitted to Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen and the Housing Secretary.
He added that the aim of offering concessions is to provide additional relief to beneficiaries and to ensure that funds returned early can be used to help more people build homes.