Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a series of ambitious welfare projects aimed at empowering low-income families across the province, including the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme and the launch of 1,100 electric buses with affordable fares.
Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore on Wednesday, she emphasized that the time has come to replace politics of slogans and chaos with real public service. She said there was no alternative to one's own house.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Roof for every family
Maryam Nawaz announced that land and homes will be provided to those who have none, through the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program.
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45,000 houses are already under construction
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9,000 homes have been completed
- Loans will be brought up to Rs75,000 by August end
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By year-end, 100,000 people will receive interest-free loans to build homes
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The five-year target: 500,000 houses, benefiting 2.5 million people
She highlighted that 64,000 interest-free loans have already been issued within seven months, without political interference or favouritism. Borrowers will repay in nine years, with monthly installments kept below Rs15,000 to ensure affordability, and Rs14,000 for those unemployed.
"These 64,000 loans are not just numbers; they are living stories. Each home is a step toward dignity and stability,” she said. She also stated that 60,000 to 70,000 calls had been received; no one faced any problems, and 95% expressed gratitude.
"I listened to hundreds of calls myself and slept only after listening to them," she claimed.
Electric buses for every city in Punjab
In another key announcement, Maryam Nawaz revealed that 1,100 air-conditioned electric buses will soon be operating in every city of Punjab.
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The fare will be just Rs20, making clean, modern public transport accessible to all.
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The buses will run not only in Lahore, but in every city of the province.
"Whether it's a major city or a small village, every district is the centre of my attention,” the CM added.
Focus on villages, crime control, development
Maryam Nawaz also shared plans to uplift rural infrastructure, including paving roads and streets and solving water and healthcare issues in 2,400 villages under the Punjab Development Plan.
She announced the launch of mobile police units in villages and reiterated her resolve to fight crime, stating that Punjab’s story will now be written in service, not conspiracies. "Rs3,000 will be provided to labourers every month," she declared.
Shift toward people-centric governance
Maryam Nawaz dismissed claims of Lahore-centric development, saying the government is committed to balanced growth across Punjab.
She credited Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif for prioritizing welfare over politics and added that Pakistan is regaining its position on the global stage, with international organizations recognizing signs of economic recovery.
“As a daughter and a mother, I know the peace that comes from having your own home. This is not politics — this is my promise of service to the people,” Maryam Nawaz concluded.
The CM further remarked that the country's military and political leadership was sincere, which was evident from the changes the people of Punjab could witness. "Punjab is on the road to development," she noted, adding that the Punjab Police chief kept waiting for protesters on Tuesday, but could not find anyone. "The politics of chaos and noise has ended."
