Low-cost ‘Apna Ghar Housing Scheme’ on cards

Prime Minister (PM) Mr Nawaz Sharif has given approval for the development of a company under the Ministry of Housing and Works to develop a low-cost housing scheme to cater to the accommodation needs of low-income strata of society. The project will be named ‘Apna Ghar Scheme’.

The prime objective of this scheme is to provide affordable housing units to the people on easy instalments. Moreover, a separate plan will be put in place to provide financial assistance to widows and the needy.

The PM gave these directions while presiding over a meeting, which was attended by Finance Minister Mr Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Mr Pervez Rashid and other senior government officials. He told the housing and works minister to provide all the relevant details by the end of the month. Also, the meeting concluded with the decision to set up an advisory board so that the progress of the project could be looked after in detail. Site selection and land allocation details were also discussed with the PM.

Looking at Pakistan’s history since its inception in 1947, similar projects have surfaced from time to time. For instance, in 1997, the ‘Mera Ghar’ Scheme was initiated by Mr Nawaz Sharif, who was the prime minister at that time as well. A total of 500,000 houses were supposed to be built for low-income groups on 20,000 acres of land.

Another similar project had emerged earlier in 1987 when erstwhile Prime Minister Mr Muhammad Khan Junejo launched a housing scheme known as ‘Apni Basti’ for low-income families. The aim was to build 150,000 housing units. However, despite the immense work undertaken for this project, the project’s site did not fulfil basic requirements, causing the project to stop midway.

A venture by deceased former Prime Minister Ms Benazir Bhutto is also worth mentioning when it comes to affordable housing societies launched by the government. In 1996, the ‘New Islamabad City’ project commenced, but Ms Bhutto’s government was dissolved before the project was completed.

Nevertheless, the ‘Apna Ghar’ scheme is a renewed hope for low-income families who want to own their own place. Let’s hope that this time the government will take serious initiatives to make the Apna Ghar Scheme a reality.