PM launches Rs3.2tr housing drive for 500,000 homes in five years

• Premier Shehbaz Sharif unveils ‘Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme’ with Rs321b financing first-year allocation

• Low- and middle-income families to get subsidised loans up to Rs10m at 5% markup for 10 years

• Says govt targets construction-led growth, calling sector key driver of jobs and industrial revival

• Scheme to finance homes across all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir

• Rs3.2tr four-year plan aims to stimulate demand across cement, steel, transport and allied industries

• PM to review progress monthly as banks face performance-based rewards and penalties

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday unveiled a multi-trillion-rupee housing initiative aimed at constructing up to 500,000 homes over five years, positioning the construction sector as a central pillar of job creation and economic growth amid a fragile recovery phase.

The Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme includes subsidised financing with an initial allocation of Rs321 billion ($1.15 billion) for 50,000 homes in its first year and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to shift the economy from stabilisation to growth after difficult reforms to secure external financing and contain fiscal pressures.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the launching ceremony of PM Apna Ghar Program. pic.twitter.com/zakm3Pd0Lv

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

Under the scheme, the prime minister said low- and middle-income households would be facilitated through concessional financing, offering loans of up to Rs10 million ($35,700) at a 5 per cent markup for the first 10 years.

“With the budget approaching, we will bring major initiatives because construction is a key industry,” PM Shehbaz said while addressing the launch ceremony of the “Apna Ghar” housing programme. “Whether it is a 5 marla home, 10 marla, or larger housing units, it creates demand for bricks, cement, wood, carpenters, electricians, engineers and draftsmen.”

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif distributes PM Apna Ghar Program cheques among the beneficiaries. pic.twitter.com/Sxl9eO7ZMl

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

Officials said the government plans to scale up the programme significantly, with total financing projected at Rs3.2 trillion ($11.5 billion) over four years. The initiative will target housing units of up to 10 marla across all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

" اپنا گھر پروگرام کے تحت بیس سال کی مدت کے لیے ایک کروڑ روپے قرضہ ملے گا۔ پہلے 10 سال مارک اپ صرف 5 فی صد ہو گا۔

جو بینکس اس میں لیڈ لیں گے وہ ہمارے سروں کے تاج ہوں گے اور ان کو 14 اگست کو نیشنل ایوارڈ دلوائیں گے اور جو بینکس پیچھے ہٹیں گے تو میں بڑے ادب سے کہنا چاہتا ہوں کہ… pic.twitter.com/ylKznRQoi9

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

Policy-makers have long viewed Pakistan’s construction sector as a key economic driver due to its deep linkages with industries such as cement, steel, transport and services, as well as its ability to generate large-scale employment across skill levels.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launches PM Apna Ghar Program. pic.twitter.com/YmImL4EEKM

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

The initiative comes as Pakistan’s economy shows signs of stabilisation following steep subsidy cuts and tax reforms, although growth remains subdued and households continue to face persistent inflationary pressure.

At the same time, the country is confronting renewed external headwinds from the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and tightened liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, posing risks to power generation and industrial activity.

"وزیراعظم اپنا گھر اسکیم کے تحت پہلے سال کا ہدف پچاس ہزار گھروں کا ہے جس کے لیے 321 ارب روپے فنانسنگ مختص کی گئی ہے۔ آئندہ چار برسوں میں ہمارا ہدف پانچ لاکھ گھروں کا ہے جس میں 10 مرلہ تک پلاٹ پر گھر کی تعمیر کے لیے قرض فراہم کیا جائے گا جس کا کل حجم 3.2 کھرب روپے کا ہے۔

اس اسکیم… pic.twitter.com/Z5mSbAJMaC

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

PM Shehbaz said the housing programme would help stimulate demand across the economy while also addressing Pakistan’s significant housing shortage.

“This entire supply chain strengthens industry, increases production and generates employment for millions, from labourers to engineers,” he said.

"اپنا گھر منصوبہ کسی بھی ریاست یا حکومت کے لیے ایک مقدس فریضہ ہے۔ پاکستان میں 24 کروڑ عوام بستے ہیں مگر ایک بہت بڑی تعداد اپنی چھت سے محروم ہے۔ گھر ہو تو اپنا ہم سب کے لیے ایک انتہائی یادگار تقریب ہے۔

جس اسکیم کا آج اعلان کیا جارہا ہے اسکے پیچھے بے پناہ محنت اور عرق ریزی شامل ہے… pic.twitter.com/3Io6kKikPF

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 30, 2026

The prime minister further announced that he would personally review the scheme’s implementation on a monthly basis, adding that banks participating in the programme would be evaluated on performance and could be rewarded or penalised accordingly.