Punjab’s prominent housing initiative, the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme, has been chosen for the prestigious 2026 United Nations-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. This recognition highlights the scheme’s significant role in providing adequate, safe, and affordable housing to low-income households.

The Punjab government has been invited to accept the award on October 5 during the global World Habitat Day celebrations in Muscat, Oman. The formal notification, dated September 14, was signed by UN-Habitat Executive Director and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach, officially confirming the selection of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) and its housing programme for this honor.

PHATA Director General Khwaja Muhammad Zeeshan Sikandar confirmed receiving the official intimation via email on Monday. The award follows a stringent competitive evaluation process, considering nominations from across the globe. Rossbach noted that after reviewing numerous candidates, UN-Habitat unanimously agreed that PHATA’s programme deserved formal recognition for its efforts in expanding housing access for vulnerable populations.

The award ceremony will take place in Muscat on October 5, coinciding with World Habitat Day activities. From October 6 to 8, the City of Muscat will host a series of workshops, offering participants a platform to share knowledge and experiences related to housing and urban development. UN-Habitat will facilitate the recipient’s participation by covering economy-class airfare, accommodation, daily allowances, and providing travel and logistical support.

Punjab’s government initiated the nomination process for the housing programme last year, aiming to highlight its achievements on an international stage.

Launched in March 2024, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme assists low-income families in constructing homes on their existing land through interest-free loans. Official data shows that by September 10, 2026, Rs259.68 billion in interest-free loans had been distributed to 200,072 applicants throughout Punjab. The programme, implemented by PHATA, seeks to improve housing accessibility for households that face challenges securing financing through traditional means.

This UN-Habitat accolade arrives as the Punjab government continues to expand the scheme and integrate it into its broader housing policy aimed at supporting low-income families.

In a related development, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz commemorated the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer by emphasizing the province’s environmental efforts. She described environmental protection as both a duty and an act of worship, highlighting Punjab’s comprehensive environmental policy.

Maryam Nawaz revealed that 50 million trees have been planted across 50,000 acres in the province. Additionally, electric bus services are being introduced in every district and tehsil, alongside electric bikes for the public, students, and women, as well as a Green Taxi service. These initiatives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to promoting cleaner transportation and addressing environmental challenges.