Punjab Launches ‘Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat’ Scheme, Maryam Nawaz Announces Interest-Free Roof Safety Loans

Independent Report
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday launched the digital portal for the “Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat” project, a roof safety initiative introduced in memory of the children who lost their lives in the Kahna roof collapse tragedy.
The scheme will provide interest-free loans of Rs500,000 to help homeowners strengthen unsafe roofs, while families seeking to build additional rooms or a second storey will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million. The chief minister also directed the Housing Department to reduce monthly repayments from Rs14,000 to a range of Rs4,700 to Rs9,300, making the programme more affordable for low-income households.
During the launch ceremony, Maryam Nawaz described a home as a symbol of safety and dignity, saying the Kahna tragedy, in which 14 children lost their lives, deeply affected her and inspired the government to introduce measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.
Officials informed the ceremony that applications can be submitted online through the project’s portal, as well as at Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and PHATA offices. A dedicated helpline has also been established to assist applicants.
The chief minister said the Punjab government would bear processing fees and related charges, while applicants would only require a valid Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to apply under simplified procedures. Beneficiaries will receive a three-month grace period before loan repayments begin.
She added that under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme, more than 173,000 interest-free loans worth over Rs224 billion have already been disbursed, helping thousands of families secure permanent housing. Maryam Nawaz said the government’s housing initiatives are aimed at improving public safety, reducing financial hardship, and ensuring safer homes across Punjab.