Lahore: The Punjab government has instructed the housing department to begin drafting new legislation aimed at significantly expanding affordable housing and improving access to homeownership across the province.
According to officials, the proposed law will require both public and private sector development projects to integrate low-cost housing components. These housing units will be located in areas with access to essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities, public transport, and basic utilities—ensuring residents enjoy a decent quality of life.
The legislation also seeks to establish a uniform regulatory framework across all relevant development authorities in Punjab, including the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), Central Business District Authority (CBDA), and other district-level bodies. This standardisation is aimed at promoting consistency in housing quality, design, and eligibility criteria throughout the province.
In a significant policy shift, the law will also incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandates, requiring developers to reserve a portion of their residential projects for affordable housing. The move is expected to foster more inclusive and sustainable urban development, while encouraging private-sector participation in addressing the province’s housing shortage.
Meanwhile, the government’s flagship programme, Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar, which provides interest-free housing loans to low-income families, continues to show strong results. Over 60,000 households have already benefited from the initiative, with more than 1.5 million applications submitted — well beyond the programme’s target for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
Punjab Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal lauded the programme’s progress, noting that implementation has been fair, merit-based, and free from political influence. He affirmed the government’s commitment to providing dignified, affordable housing for all segments of society.
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