Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially handed over keys to 720 free apartments to laborers under a government housing initiative aimed at offering shelter and financial support to low-income families in Lahore.
Addressing the beneficiaries, she emphasized that the project was designed to assist working-class families burdened by rising living costs and increasing rent expenses. She congratulated the workers, stating, “You now have your own home and roof, eliminating worries about landlords or rent payments.”
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the challenges many households face in covering daily expenses, which often makes home ownership unattainable for a significant portion of the population. She noted that owning a home provides security for children and validates the hard work of individuals, regardless of their economic status.
In a significant development, she linked the initiative to her family’s longstanding political commitment to the labor sector, revealing that thousands more housing units are planned. Besides the 720 homes already delivered, 500 additional apartments are ready for allocation in Taxila.
Looking ahead, the chief minister announced plans to construct over 1,000 more housing units within the next three years, complemented by soft loans and three-marla plots for eligible workers. She described the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program as a remarkable achievement, having delivered approximately 100,000 homes in just a year and a half, a feat she suggested might be unique globally.
Currently, 65,000 houses are under construction, with a long-term goal of building 500,000 homes over the next three and a half years. Additionally, the government has issued ration cards valued at 40 billion rupees to 1.5 million laborers, providing monthly financial assistance of 3,000 rupees per household.
Maryam Nawaz also stressed the importance of safety measures for construction workers, which have been made mandatory at all work sites. She reiterated that the government’s role is to enhance public welfare and expressed her commitment to serving every poor household.
“Pray that I am given the ability to serve every poor household and be useful to everyone,” she concluded, underscoring her dedication to the cause.
