PM orders survey to boost Apna Ghar Scheme

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed provincial chief secretaries to conduct a comprehensive survey of properties that could be used to facilitate loans under his government's Apna Ghar Scheme. The PM emphasized that affordable housing for low-income and middle-class segments is the government's top priority. During a meeting on the Access to Finance Plan 2026-2028, it was reported that the scheme had received 147,504 applications, with 53,127 approved loans valued at Rs313.42 billion.

Loans amounting to Rs45.43 billion have been disbursed to 8,739 applicants. A system is being developed to identify suitable plots nationwide, with Islamabad as the pilot city. The PM also urged banks and financial institutions to support farmers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the housing sector, stating that the agriculture sector is crucial to the country's economy.

The agriculture sector received Rs1.268 trillion in loans as of August 2026, with a target of Rs2 trillion by June 2028. The SME sector saw Rs1.067 trillion in lending, with a goal of Rs2 trillion by June 2028. Under the Zarkhez-e app, 35,838 applications for easy access to loans have been received, with Rs7.35 billion approved and Rs1.96 billion disbursed.

SMEDA provided financial literacy training to 1,096 SMEs in the past three months. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other federal ministers, attended the meeting. The PM also met with newly elected AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Ali Gillani, reaffirming Pakistan's full support for the AJK government's welfare and development.