State Bank expands Apna Ghar affordable housing scheme to include overseas Pakistanis

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has expanded the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar scheme to allow overseas Pakistanis to access home financing for the first time under the program.

The central bank outlined the changes in a circular covering policy measures for fiscal year 2026-27. The expansion also introduces new mechanisms to widen homeownership and accelerate housing development.

Who is eligible for the Apna Ghar scheme for overseas Pakistanis?

Overseas Pakistanis and non-resident Pakistanis holding a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) are now eligible for financing under the Apna Ghar scheme.

The program covers the purchase, construction and renovation of residential property in Pakistan.

What changes has the SBP made to the Apna Ghar scheme?

The SBP approved a multi-channel implementation framework for the scheme to improve outreach and broaden access to housing finance. Under the revised structure, participating financial institutions may arrange financing for government employees through department-level bulk processing. This is intended to streamline mortgage approvals and increase uptake among public-sector workers.

Financial institutions have also been permitted to extend financing for private developer-led housing projects, enabling greater private-sector participation in the affordable housing program. The measures form part of the government's broader strategy to address Pakistan's housing shortage and expand access to mortgage financing for low- and middle-income households.

How much has the government allocated for affordable housing in 2026-27?

The federal budget for 2026-27 allocates 5 billion rupees for the Apna Ghar scheme, reflecting the government's focus on expanding affordable housing and supporting home financing initiatives. Housing sector stakeholders have long identified low mortgage penetration, high borrowing costs and procedural hurdles as key constraints on market growth.

Officials expect the inclusion of overseas Pakistanis to attract additional inflows into the sector. Bulk financing arrangements for government employees are expected to raise participation among salaried borrowers.

Why is the government prioritizing housing and construction?

The government has identified housing and construction as key drivers of economic growth due to their linkages with industries including cement, steel, ceramics and allied services.

Officials say the latest changes to the Apna Ghar scheme are aimed at improving the effectiveness of the program and broadening its beneficiary base.