ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to further simplify procedures and expedite loan approvals under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar scheme, stressing that greater facilitation for applicants would help more citizens realize their dream of home ownership.
The prime minister, who chaired a review meeting on the progress of the housing initiative, said the strong public response to the scheme was very encouraging and reflected the growing demand for affordable housing, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chief Minister Shehbaz Shari said, “The participation of a large number of citizens in the Apna Ghar Scheme is very welcome. If we continue at the current pace, the dream of home ownership for maximum number of deserving people will be fulfilled.”
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif directed the Housing Ministry to work with the State Bank of Pakistan to make the application form easier to use and understand for applicants. He also directed banks to expedite the process of approval of valid applications and ensure timely disbursement of loans.
Stressing on a broader reach, the prime minister directed authorities to intensify the nationwide awareness campaign so that more eligible citizens could benefit from the programme.
To address the difficulties faced by applicants in obtaining land ownership documents, he directed provincial governments to set up district-level facilitation offices dedicated to the Apna Ghar Scheme.
The meeting was informed that loans worth Rs 11,000 crore had been disbursed so far under the programme. Officials said the number of applications had increased significantly after the government simplified the rules and regulations of the scheme in March this year.
According to the report, a total of 67,900 applications have been received from all over the country. Of these, 16,587 applications have been approved, while 3,146 beneficiaries have already received loan payments.
The meeting was also informed that the State Bank of Pakistan had made it mandatory for banks to process Apna Ghar Scheme applications within 15 days.
Railway reforms
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at reforming Pakistan Railways and directed authorities to prioritize freight services, attract private investment and modernize the country’s railway network to transform it into a safe, affordable and efficient mode of transportation.
Chairing a high-level meeting on railway reforms, the prime minister said Pakistan Railways possessed immense potential to become a reliable and cost-effective transportation system for both passengers and freight, while contributing to economic growth and regional connectivity, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
