Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to accelerate housing loan disbursements under the government’s Apna Ghar Programme after officials revealed that nearly Rs350 billion in approved financing remained unpaid to borrowers.
According to Business Recorder, the prime minister issued the directives during a meeting with presidents and chief executive officers of major commercial banks on Friday. He urged banks to simplify lending procedures, eliminate unnecessary delays, and ensure that eligible applicants receive their approved housing finance promptly.
During the meeting, officials reported that banks had approved housing loans worth Rs426 billion, but only Rs76 billion had been disbursed. By the end of September 2026, just 13,214 borrowers had received financing, highlighting the gap between loan approvals and actual payments.
Launched on April 30, 2026, the Apna Ghar Programme aims to improve access to affordable housing finance for Pakistani citizens. For the fiscal year 2026-27, the government has established a housing finance target of Rs700 billion, with plans to support the construction or provision of 125,000 housing units nationwide.
The government is also exploring ways to expand financing opportunities for property developers to encourage housing construction and increase the supply of residential properties.
In addition to housing finance, the prime minister reviewed lending facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Officials reported that 350,862 business owners had received loans totalling Rs1,137 billion. The government aims to increase SME financing to Rs1,500 billion by June 2027.
Agricultural financing was another key focus of the meeting. By September 2026, loans worth Rs1,352 billion had been provided to more than 3.45 million beneficiaries. The government plans to raise agricultural lending to Rs1,500 billion by June 2027.
The prime minister instructed the SBP and commercial banks to strengthen coordination, streamline loan processing, and ensure timely disbursement of approved funds. The move is intended to accelerate housing finance, support construction activity, and improve access to credit for businesses and farmers across Pakistan.
