RAWALPINDI: Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin on Saturday said the provincial government was trying to turn citizens` dream of owning a home into a reality.

`Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar` scheme is a practical proof of this vision through which eligible residents are being provided interest-free loans on easy terms, Bilal Yasin said in a press conference at the Commissioner`s Office.

Director General Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency Saif Anwar Jappa, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Hasan Tariq, ADC Revenue Nabil Sindhu, Wasa Managing Director Saleem Ashraf and other officers concerned were also present.

The minister said the project of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had been started for those homeless people who could not afford to build a house despite owning land.

He said 370,000 applications had been received in this scheme out of which 1,000 people were provided interest-freeloansattheir doorsteps.

He said the target of providing interest-free loans to 100,000 people had been set until December 2025.

The loan amount is Rs1.5 million,which the recipient can start paying back in instalments three months after completion of the construction, Mr Yasin said, adding the instalment will be Rs14,000 per month.

He further said owners of one to five marla plots in urban areas and 10 marla plots in rural areas would be eligible for the loan.

Bilal Yasin said certificates had been given to the deserving people on the basis of merit and the first installment had already been transferred to their accounts, adding that transparency and merit had been given top priority in the scheme.

He said people who meet the criteria of `Apni Chhat Apna Ghar` project could get all the information related to the loan by visiting the One-Window Operation Centre established at DC Office in Rawalpindi.

He further said apart from the `Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar` scheme, the government is also providing facilities to people through various other projects.

On the problem of illegal housing societies, the provincial minister said there was no scope of leniency for those who stole hard-earned money of people through illegal societies.

He directed the RDA to continue indiscriminate action against such society owners and show no leniency to anyone involved in this act, whether from the ruling party or the opposition.