Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a new interest-free loan program, “Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat” (My Roof, Safe Roof), giving homeowners across the province access to easy financing for repairing weak roofs and adding extra rooms or floors to their houses. The initiative was rolled out digitally on July 17, 2026, and is being seen as one of the most important housing-relief announcements of the year for low-income families in Punjab.
If you’re searching for details on how to apply for the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat scheme, eligibility criteria, loan amounts, and monthly installment plans, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Is the Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat Scheme?
The Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat project is a new housing-safety initiative under the Punjab government, launched in tribute to 14 children who tragically died in a roof collapse in the Kahna area of Lahore. The scheme is designed to help homeowners strengthen structurally weak roofs before monsoon rains and storms cause further accidents.
Under the program, eligible residents of Punjab can access:
- An interest-free loan of Rs500,000 to repair, strengthen, or secure an existing roof
- A loan of up to Rs1 million to construct additional rooms or add an extra storey to an existing home
Reduced Monthly Installments — Key Highlight of the Scheme
To make the scheme more accessible for low-income households, the Punjab government has significantly reduced the monthly repayment burden on applicants:
| Loan Amount | Previous Monthly Installment | New Monthly Installment |
|---|---|---|
| Rs500,000 | Rs14,000 | Rs4,700 |
| Rs1,000,000 | — | Rs9,300 |
The Rs500,000 loan is repayable over a period of nine years, making it far more manageable for families with limited monthly income. Importantly, the Punjab government will cover the loan processing fee and other associated charges, so applicants don’t need to worry about hidden costs.
How to Apply for Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat — Online & Offline Methods
Applicants have two ways to apply for this interest-free loan:
1. Apply Online
Visit the official Punjab housing portal at acag.punjab.gov.pk to submit your loan application digitally.
2. Apply in Person
You can also submit your application in person at any of the following offices:
- Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office
- Assistant Commissioner (AC) Office
- Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency
Helpline for Assistance
For queries or help with the application process, applicants can call the dedicated helpline: 0800-09100.
Why the Government Launched This Scheme
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that a home represents more than a physical structure — it stands for safety and protection for a family. She linked the launch directly to the Kahna tragedy, where a roof collapsed during repair work and killed 14 children, calling it a deeply distressing incident that pushed the government into action.
The CM also pointed to a recurring seasonal risk factor: heavy rains and windstorms during Punjab’s monsoon season frequently weaken old or poorly built roofs and walls, leading to fatal collapses. The Mehfooz Chhat initiative is intended as a preventive measure against this exact kind of disaster.
Part of the Larger “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” Program
The Mehfooz Chhat scheme builds on the success of Punjab’s existing Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar (“My Roof, My Home”) housing program. According to officials briefing the Chief Minister:
- 173,158 interest-free loans have been disbursed so far
- The total amount disbursed stands at Rs224.457 billion
- Around 200,000 families have been able to move out of rented housing into homes of their own through the program
This track record suggests the newly launched roof-safety component could see similarly high demand once applications open at scale.
Who Should Apply?
This scheme is particularly relevant for:
- Low-income and financially disadvantaged families in Punjab with weak or damaged roofs
- Homeowners looking to expand their house by adding a room or an extra floor
- Families in older housing stock vulnerable to monsoon rains and windstorms
- Anyone affected by or concerned about roof-collapse risks similar to the Kahna tragedy
Quick Facts Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat |
| Launched By | CM Maryam Nawaz |
| Launch Date | July 17, 2026 |
| Loan for Roof Repair | Rs500,000 (interest-free) |
| Loan for New Room/Floor | Up to Rs1,000,000 (interest-free) |
| Repayment Period (Rs500,000) | 9 years |
| Monthly Installment (Rs500,000) | Rs4,700 |
| Monthly Installment (Rs1,000,000) | Rs9,300 |
| Apply Online | acag.punjab.gov.pk |
| Helpline | 0800-09100 |
| Processing Fee | Free (covered by Punjab govt) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat scheme? It’s a Punjab government initiative offering interest-free loans to help residents repair weak roofs or build additional rooms/floors, launched after a fatal roof collapse in Kahna.
Q2: How much loan can I get under this scheme? Up to Rs500,000 for roof repair/strengthening, and up to Rs1 million for constructing additional rooms or a new storey.
Q3: How do I apply for the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat loan? Apply online at acag.punjab.gov.pk, or visit your local DC/AC office or the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency in person.
Q4: Is there any processing fee? No. The Punjab government is covering the processing fee and other associated charges for applicants.
Q5: What is the helpline number for this scheme? You can call 0800-09100 for assistance with your application
Real Time Example: Sana’s Journey Through the Apni Chat Mehfooz Chat Program
Sana, a homeowner from Multan, wanted to expand her house to accommodate her elderly parents and growing family. Instead of relocating, she applied for the Apni Chat Mehfooz Chat Program to finance the construction of an additional floor on her existing home.
She registered on the program portal, logged into her account, accepted the required declaration, and selected Category 02 – Construction of Additional Storey. Sana requested a loan of PKR 1,100,000 and selected a participating microfinance institution before submitting her application.
After her information was verified, the application was approved. The financing was released in two tranches. Sana used the first installment to purchase construction materials, arrange skilled labor, and complete the structural work up to the lintel level. Following a successful inspection, the second installment was released, enabling her to complete the roof, electrical wiring, plumbing, flooring, painting, doors, windows, and other finishing work.
Within a few months, the additional floor was completed with three bedrooms, a family lounge, a kitchen, and two attached bathrooms. Sana’s family enjoyed a more spacious and comfortable home without the expense of purchasing a new property. She began repaying the loan over the 6-year repayment period, making the financing manageable while enhancing both the functionality and value of her home.
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Source: Reporting based on Dawn News, July 18, 2026.
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