Punjab’s ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ wins UN-Habitat award in Muscat

Maryam Nawaz receives international recognition

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz received the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in Muscat for the province’s ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ housing programme. The award was presented at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre during the global observance of World Habitat Day.

Maryam Nawaz attended the ceremony as a special guest. The recognition highlights the housing programme’s focus on providing affordable homes and improving living conditions for low-income families.

Programme recognised among global initiatives

The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour is one of the major honours linked to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. It recognises governments, cities, institutions, organisations and projects working to improve housing and sustainable urban development.

Punjab’s ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ programme was selected among five international recipients in 2026. Other recognised initiatives came from Myanmar, Brazil, Tunisia and London, England.

Over Rs196 billion in first phase

The ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ programme was launched in 2024 to help low-income families build affordable homes in Punjab. According to official figures cited earlier, more than 134,000 houses were being constructed through loans exceeding Rs196 billion during the first phase.

The second phase involved more than Rs62 billion in loans for around 65,000 houses. The provincial government says the programme is intended to expand housing opportunities for families who cannot easily afford to build their own homes.

Punjab sets target of 500,000 homes

Maryam Nawaz dedicated the international award to Punjab’s homeless population. She said the recognition was an honour for people without homes and described the programme as an international recognition for Punjab and Pakistan.

Pakistan previously received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour in 2007. At that time, the honour was given to the deputy chairman of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA).

The Punjab government has set a target of providing 500,000 homes through the programme within five years. The award is likely to bring further attention to the province’s efforts to expand affordable housing.

The award puts Punjab’s housing programme in an international spotlight. Its long-term impact will depend on how effectively the government expands housing support and reaches more low-income families.

Also read: Why Punjab’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar selected for UN housing award

Also read: Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme: New progress figures unveiled