Punjab’s Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme has gained international recognition after being selected for the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, highlighting its efforts to expand access to affordable and adequate housing for low-income families.
The housing initiative, implemented through the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), was selected following an international evaluation process. According to an official notification, the Punjab government has been invited to receive the award on October 5, 2026, during World Habitat Day celebrations in Muscat, Oman.
The notification was issued by Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat. The programme was recognised for its contribution to providing safe, affordable and adequate housing opportunities to low-income households.
PHATA Director General Khwaja Muhammad Zeeshan Sikandar confirmed that the agency received the award information from UN-Habitat via email. The Punjab government had begun efforts in 2025 to secure an international nomination for the housing programme.
Launched in August 2024, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme has provided interest-free financial support to applicants across Punjab. Official figures reported as of September 10, 2026, show that interest-free loans worth Rs259.68 billion had been disbursed to 200,072 applicants across the province.
The programme aims to help eligible families build homes by providing access to interest-free financing, reducing the financial burden associated with housing construction.
Punjab government representatives are expected to receive the UN-Habitat award in Muscat on October 5. World Habitat Day activities will also include workshops from October 6 to 8, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and ideas on housing and urban development. UN-Habitat will provide travel and logistical support for the award recipient.
