By Uzma Sahar 
The Punjab Housing Department has announced a pause on accepting new applications for its much-anticipated “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” scheme, as the initiative transitions into the scrutiny and selection stage.
The program, which aims to provide free residential plots to deserving families, attracted an overwhelming 481,000 applications before registrations closed. Of those, 367,000 entries have already passed the initial vetting process and now await final review.
The scheme will allocate 2,000 plots across 19 districts. According to Minister Bilal Yasin, the review process is being overseen by district-level committees led by Deputy Commissioners, who are expected to deliver their reports within the coming month.
To support successful applicants in building their homes, the provincial government has also committed to offering interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million — an incentive meant to ensure that recipients not only receive land but also the resources to build functional housing.
The scheme has been praised for its emphasis on equity and transparency, with authorities ensuring that no political interference influences the selection process.
This move comes at a time when access to affordable housing remains a significant challenge for many families in Punjab. With this project, the government hopes to set a precedent for future land and housing welfare programs.