Latest news with #ApniChhat
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Maryam says US Pakistan's ‘reliable' economic partner
LAHORE: 'Pak-US relations are based on reliable, stable and far-reaching partnership spanning over several decades,' said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her meeting with the new US Consul General in Lahore, H.E Stetson Sanders. In the meeting, issues related to mutual interest, trade relations, energy, technology, agriculture and educational exchanges came under discussion. The CM added, 'US is Pakistan's largest trading partner and a reliable economic partner, Pakistani-American community is a strong link in people-to-people ties between the two countries.' She appreciated US President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate between Pakistan and India during the recent armed conflict between the two countries. The Chief Minister welcomed H.E Stetson Sanders on his arrival in Lahore, and congratulated him on assuming the post of Consul General. She said, 'Government of Punjab is prioritizing the development of water-efficient farming, precision agriculture and cold chain infrastructure, American agricultural technology companies can take advantage of numerous investment opportunities in this regard.' Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'A new electric train equipped with the latest technology is being introduced in Punjab. Public-sector housing will be completed in a short period of few months under 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' Programme.' She said, 'Appointment of H.E Stetson Sanders has come at a time when positive progress is being seen in Pakistan-US relations. People-to-people contacts, trade cooperation and shared interests have further strengthened Pak-US partnership.' She added, 'Increase in trade volume between Pakistan and US in 2024 is a welcome development.' The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had also met US Congressional Pakistan Caucus in April 2025. She said, 'More than 20,000 IT graduates are graduating from Punjab every year. Punjab is the agricultural backbone of Pakistan.' She added, 'Pakistan and United States are an example of a tested, trusted and sustainable partnership.' She underscored, 'Pakistan is determined to translate US-Pakistan relationship into a comprehensive, strategic and public interest-based partnership.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Maryam launches ‘Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar' programme
LAHORE: Announcing the launch of 'Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar' program in Punjab to provide free plots to homeless poor in the province, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'Pakistan's political and military leadership is sincere, it is rising like rising sun on diplomatic and economic fronts.' While addressing a ceremony to mark the completion of more than 50,000 loans under 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' project, the CM said, 'In Phase-I of the scheme, 2,000 plots will be given to landless people in 19 cities to build houses. Punjab government is launching a new project every day, 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' is very close to my heart, now no one will be evicted from their homes for not paying rent. The project was launched in October-November, 45,000 houses are being built, 9,000 houses have been completed, if I could, I would personally go and congratulate every family that built a house.' She added, 'By the end of August, the issuance of loans will reach 64,000 to 75,000, we will achieve the target of building one lakh houses in a year and five lakh in five years. About 2.5 million people will benefit under 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' project, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also built houses during their tenures and gave them to people.' Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, '1.5 million registrations and 7 million applications have been received under 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' project, now people believe that they will get loans on merit. I am surprised that one day a loan was received and after three weeks a house is being built, we have built thousands of houses without claiming State should fulfill its motherly promise.' She underscored, 'Clinics on Wheels across Punjab are providing treatment facilities at the doorsteps of patients, they have succeeded in filling the lack of trust between the state and the people.' The Chief Minister said, 'Problems in the worst areas of every city will be solved on priority basis, clean drinking water will be provided in South Punjab and Pothohar region. It is my resolve to make 24,000 villages a model, streets and roads of every village will be paved, schools and hospitals will be revamped and sewage systems etc. are being built.' The CM flagged, 'Destiny of Punjab is in the hands of service, not conspiracy. We will fulfill every promise and leave a mark of service at every step. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is improving the lives of the nation. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says in every meeting to make electricity cheaper and reduce inflation. Nawaz Sharif advises me every day to be pure in intention to serve the people. Progress will start to be seen in Punjab every year.' She said, 'Landless people will be given loans to build plots and houses in 19 cities of Punjab. Punjab government is launching a new project every day. Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar is very close to my heart. No one can be evicted from their homes for not paying rent. It is good for parents to give their children the peace of home. I share the happiness of every person and every family who built his own house. I bow my head and thank Allah Almighty for the success of the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project. Loans under Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar is 100% interest-free, to be repaid in 9 years. Monthly instalment was made less than Rs15,000. Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project, everyone can easily pay Rs15,000 per month.' She explained, 'Calls were made to 60 to 70 thousand people to ensure transparency in the project. 95% of the people's feedback about the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project was satisfactory. I hear calls daily regarding the project. These are not 64 thousand houses but thousands of stories and tales.' The Chief Minister said, 'By the end of August, disbursement of loans will reach 64 to 75 thousand. The target of building 100,000 houses in one year and 500,000 in five years will be achieved. About 2.5 million people will benefit under Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also built houses during their tenures and gave them to the people.' She added, 'Official estimate for building and giving away a house was Rs 4 million, which was difficult for the common man.' The Chief Minister said, 'People are witnesses, no one needed recommendation or bribe for a loan. No house was built with bribe or recommendation, you can hold your head up and say that this is my house. I have my eye on every story of Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project.' She added, 'Those who used to lift the bricks of other people's houses are today laying the bricks of their own houses and picking up the keys. I saw husbands, wives and children working hard for their houses. I promised to give the people their roof, I kept my promise and the people also kept their promise by returning a thousand million rupees in instalments. I am happy that I could facilitate people, the prayers of the people are my asset.' She asserted, 'The claim of building one crore houses could not be removed from the files. 1.5 million registration and 7 million applications have been received under Apni Chhat, Apni Ghar project. Now people believe that they will get a loan on merit. Houses are being built in every district under the project. I want to build more houses in South Punjab. I want to build 150,000 houses annually under Apni Chhat, Apni Ghar project. If Almighty Allah gives me the means, then let it all be poured on the people. I thank Amjad Hafeez and SMU for informing me about the public feedback.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme: Over 51,000 families get loans
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over an important meeting regarding 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme in which progress being made with regard to ongoing programme was reviewed. So far, the dream of more than 51,000 families has become a reality through this programme. The Chief Minister directed to further accelerate the pace of ongoing development work regarding 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. A detailed briefing was given on the current status of the project. It was informed in the briefing that loans have been provided to 51,911 poor families from the platform of 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. A substantial amount worth Rs65 billion has been distributed under the 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. So far, 45,178 houses are under construction while 6,160 houses have been completed. The CM outlined, 'Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of every decision is focused on the development, protection and convenience of the people.' She highlighted, 'It is the vision of Quaid PML-N Nawaz Sharif and my pledge as well to provide shelter to the poor and homeless people of Punjab.' She vowed, 'The day a poor gets a house, the state becomes successful in its noble mission. The era of doing traditional politics has been done away with and the time of rendering public service has started during the tenure of PML-N government.' She emphasized, 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar is not just a project of constructing bricks and walls, but the beginning of a new life for the impecunious strata of society. It has happened for the first time in the history of Pakistan to provide shelter to the poverty-stricken people across Punjab.' She added, 'Practical steps are being taken to provide shelter to the poor and homeless families on such a massive scale. I am striving day and night to ensure that no citizen of Punjab remains shelterless.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Sudhra Punjab' programme launched: IK's sons will not be allowed to create unrest: Azma
LAHORE: Without naming anybody, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has warned that instigators will not be allowed to use children to spread unrest. Azma remarked that Jemima has reportedly barred her sons from visiting Pakistan, but a daughter has every right to meet her father. While addressing at a news conference, here on Thursday, Azma also criticised some YouTubers for promoting an anti-state narrative through vlogs, emphasising that such content harms the country and encourages extremism. Announcing the launch of the 'Sudhra Punjab' programme following the success of the 'Suthra Punjab' campaign, she said this initiative aims to eradicate crime from the province. Highlighting the performance of the Crime Control Department (CCD), she stated that its efforts have become the centre of attention across social media. Within days, 1,509 wanted criminals were apprehended and 600 missing children were recovered. Crime rates in Lahore have dropped by 68%, and districts like Chakwal, Bhalwal, and Gujrat have reported zero robbery incidents, she claimed. She explained that CCD is modelled after the US FBI and functions as a provincial agency handling major crimes and complex investigations with an effective strategy. She emphasised the chief minister's clear instructions: no criminal should block the roads of Punjab. All highways have been cleared, and many criminals are now begging for forgiveness on video, swearing on the Quran, she said. 'Those who once roamed as thugs are now seen on camera, apologising,' she remarked. She issued a warning to Kacha area dacoits, stating that the Punjab Police now have modern weapons and strategic capacity. 'They should be concerned for their safety,' she added. Azma also praised the Punjab government's exemplary and well-coordinated arrangements during Muharram. She said that despite the sensitive global environment, Ashura passed peacefully thanks to a strong strategy, the guidance of religious scholars, and public cooperation. She noted that the atmosphere of religious harmony was commendable, and the nomination of the Chief Minister for an award by scholars is proof of that success. About recent audit reports, she said that propaganda is being spread about a specific report, which contains 12 questionable paragraphs related to the 2021–2023 period. These involve placing public funds in commercial banks and loans secured against wheat stocks, all of which are tied to the eras of Buzdar, Pervaiz Elahi, and others. These matters have already been transparently resolved under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, she said. She further announced the provision of transport in all government schools of Punjab. Over 60,000 new jobs have been created in the School Education Department, and more than 90% attendance has been recorded in outsourced schools. Teacher numbers have increased by 114%. Under the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' initiative, she said, loans for 50,000 houses have already been issued. The KP government has now adopted this model. Punjab allocated Rs 50 billion for the Ehsaas Ghar Program, while KP allocated only Rs. 4 billion. The launch of the Haari Card following the Kisan Card in Sindh was also appreciated. Speaking about monsoon preparedness, she said that both district and provincial administrations are fully active. Dozens of water tanks have been installed across Lahore, and drainage work is ongoing. She stressed that every step taken by the Punjab government is for transparency, the rule of law, and public service. 'There is no space for gangsters or pseudo-intellectuals in the vision of a 'Sudhra Punjab,' she asserted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Target of 50k home loans achieved: CM
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that issuance of home loans under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar progamme without any political influence or recommendation is an unprecedented step in the province's governance. She was commenting on the achievement of the target of disbursing loans for more than 50,000 houses by June 2025 under the low-cost housing initiative, According to official figures, 51,911 home construction loans have been issued so far, amounting to Rs57.9 billion disbursed under the project. The initiative has already led to the completion of 5,293 houses, now occupied by families, while 41,324 homes are currently under construction across the province. The citizens have been able to apply for home loans online. CM Maryam Nawaz said, "The Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project is designed to create genuine ease and empowerment for the people." She added that every eligible applicant, regardless of political affiliation, is receiving support under the programme. "We have not only made history, we intend to break our own records," she added. The CM credited the success of the initiative to the vision of PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
