ISLAMABAD: A major development has emerged for applicants of the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Program, with commercial banks approving housing loans worth Rs160 billion under the scheme. The disbursement of approved loans to successful applicants is also underway.
Speaking at the First International Insurance Conference in Karachi, Adviser to the Finance Minister Adnan Pasha said the government believes the initiative will help address Pakistan’s housing shortage, which currently stands at around 10 million homes.
Rs160 Billion in Loans Approved
According to Adnan Pasha, commercial banks have approved Rs160 billion in housing finance, while the loan disbursement process has already begun. The program aims to make home ownership more accessible for low-income families.
Housing Loans at 5% Markup
Under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Program, eligible applicants are being offered housing loans at a subsidized markup rate of 5%.
To encourage lending, the government will bear up to 10% of potential loan losses for participating banks and provide a markup subsidy for up to 10 years, reducing the financial burden on borrowers.
Government Plans to Expand Electric Motorcycles
Adnan Pasha also announced that the government plans to introduce 2 million electric motorcycles across Pakistan to reduce fuel consumption and promote environmentally friendly transportation.
He said around 3 million registered motorcycles in the country consume fuel worth approximately $8 billion annually. The government is working on subsidies and interest-free financing to support the adoption of electric bikes, although production and supply challenges still need to be addressed.
Digital Agricultural Loan Scheme Launched
The adviser further revealed that the government has launched a digital agricultural financing scheme in collaboration with 21 banks, the Pakistan Banks Association, and SUPARCO.
The initiative will use satellite monitoring and real-time data to track the utilization of agricultural loans, improve transparency, and ensure that financing is used for its intended purpose.
