Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the provinces to establish facilitation desks at the district level for the Apna Ghar Scheme to assist people in obtaining land-related documents. Chairing a meeting on the Apna Ghar Scheme in Islamabad, he expressed satisfaction over the strong public response to the initiative. He said that if the current pace continues, the dream of home ownership for a larger number of families will become a reality.
The Prime Minister noted that the success of the scheme would accelerate growth in the construction sector, promote relevant industries, and contribute to higher economic growth. He directed the authorities concerned to provide further facilitation to people seeking to join the scheme. He also instructed the Ministry of Housing to work with the State Bank of Pakistan to make the application form easier to understand.
The Prime Minister directed banks to expedite the approval process for valid applications. He also instructed the authorities to further intensify the nationwide awareness campaign regarding the initiative. The meeting was informed that loans worth over eleven billion rupees have so far been disbursed under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Scheme. A total of sixty-seven thousand nine hundred applications have been received from across the country, of which sixteen thousand five hundred and eighty-seven have been approved, while three thousand one hundred and forty-six people have already received loans. It was informed that the State Bank of Pakistan has made it mandatory for banks to process Apna Ghar Scheme application forms within fifteen days.
Pakistan Railways reforms approved
Also, PM Shehbaz Sharif approved a strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad today, he instructed that internationally renowned experts and consultants be engaged to ensure effective implementation of the reforms roadmap for Pakistan Railways.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap, which includes targets for increasing market share in both passenger and freight segments. Improved service quality, enhanced network capacity, and financial sustainability are the key pillars of the reform plan. The roadmap also includes measures to improve railway governance, promote digitization, expand railway lines, strengthen regional connectivity, increase private sector participation through public-private partnerships, and ensure financial stability.
The use of modern coaches, provision of better passenger facilities on trains and at stations, upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, ML-3 and other railway tracks, and right-sizing measures are also part of the reform agenda. The Prime Minister directed that private sector investment in Pakistan Railways be encouraged through public-private partnerships. He said improving the railway system would help reduce traffic congestion on roads, emphasizing that a modern and efficient railway network would contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly transportation.
Shehbaz Sharif said the development of Pakistan Railways would strengthen regional connectivity and boost economic activity. The Prime Minister further directed that revenue generated through private sector investment on railway lands be utilized for the improvement of the railway system.
