The Government of Punjab has launched a new interest-free loan program called Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat (My Roof, Safe Roof) to help homeowners repair weak roofs and expand their homes safely. Announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on July 17, 2026, the scheme was introduced in memory of the children who lost their lives in the tragic Kahna roof collapse incident in Lahore.
In this post, we cover everything you need to know about the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat program — what it offers, who is eligible, how much loan you can get, and the step-by-step process to apply online.
What Is the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat Program?
Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat is a home-repair and home-expansion financing initiative launched as an extension of the flagship Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program. While Apni Chhat Apna Ghar helps families build a brand-new home, Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat is designed for citizens who already own a house but live under a weak, cracked, or structurally unsafe roof. Instead of relocating families, the scheme provides affordable, interest-free financing to strengthen existing structures.
The program is managed by the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) and operates through the same digital portal used for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme.
Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat Loan Amount
The scheme offers two separate interest-free loan categories, depending on the type of construction work required:
- Rs. 500,000 — to repair, strengthen, or completely rebuild a weak or unsafe roof.
- Rs. 1,000,000 — to construct an additional room or build a second storey on an existing house.
To make repayment easier for low-income families, the Punjab government reduced the monthly instalment on the Rs. 500,000 loan from Rs. 14,000 to approximately Rs. 4,700 per month, and the instalment on the Rs. 1,000,000 loan to around Rs. 9,300 per month, repayable over a period of up to nine years. The Punjab government also bears the loan processing fee on behalf of applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat
Since the program runs under the existing Apni Chhat Apna Ghar framework, the same baseline eligibility rules generally apply. Applicants are typically expected to meet the following conditions:
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
- Applicant must already own the house that needs roof repair or expansion.
- Household income and poverty score (PMT/NSER) must fall within the government's defined low-income threshold.
- Verification is carried out through NADRA and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER).
- The property should be located within Punjab province.
For complete and updated eligibility conditions, always refer to the official acag.punjab.gov.pk portal, since final criteria for this newly launched category may be updated by PHATA from time to time.
Documents Required to Apply
- Original CNIC of the applicant (and spouse, if applicable)
- Proof of ownership of the house/property
- Recent utility bill as proof of address
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account details for loan disbursement
How to Apply for Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat Online
Interested citizens can submit their applications through any of the following methods:
1. Apply Online
- Visit the official portal: acag.punjab.gov.pk
- Select the Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat loan category (roof repair or additional room/storey).
- Register using your CNIC and mobile number.
- Fill in the required property and income details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the form and note down your application/tracking number.
2. Apply In-Person
Applications can also be submitted at the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Assistant Commissioner (AC), or the nearest Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) office.
3. Helpline
For guidance or complaints regarding your application, citizens can call the dedicated helpline: 0800-09100.
Why Was This Scheme Launched?
The Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat program was launched in direct response to a roof collapse tragedy in the Kahna area of Lahore that claimed the lives of 14 children. Addressing the launch ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz said a house is not just a structure of bricks and mortar but a symbol of protection and security, and that the government wanted to ensure no family in Punjab suffers a similar loss due to an unsafe roof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat?
It is an interest-free loan scheme by the Punjab government that helps homeowners repair weak roofs or build additional rooms/storeys on their existing houses.
Q2. How much loan can I get under Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat?
You can get up to Rs. 500,000 for roof repair or up to Rs. 1,000,000 for constructing an additional room or storey.
Q3. Is the loan really interest-free?
Yes, it is a Qarz-e-Hasna (interest-free loan), and the Punjab government also covers the processing fee.
Q4. How do I apply for Apni Chhat Mehfooz Chhat online?
You can apply through the official portal at acag.punjab.gov.pk, or submit your application at your local DC/AC office or PHATA office.
Q5. What is the helpline number for this scheme?
The official helpline number is 0800-09100.
For video guide, view this video
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only, based on public news reports and the official Punjab Government portal. Always verify eligibility and apply through the official website acag.punjab.gov.pk.
Comments
Post a Comment