News Desk |
Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch a pilot project of ‘Apna Ghar’ scheme at 5 pm on Wednesday, the 10th of October, kick-starting its pre-electoral commitment to provide 5 million homes for the needy and homeless.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in its election manifesto, had promised to provide low-cost houses to homeless people across the country in the scenario that it assumes power. Now, it is going to launch the pilot projects of the scheme in all four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, inaugurating the first phase.
The on-going anti-encroachment campaign has also highlighted the government’s stance on this plight.
Reportedly, the federal government in consultation with the provincial government will select a district in all the provinces where the legs of the project will be executed. With the launch of the project, the registration process with the help of National Registration and Database Authority (NADRA) will also be started from today.
NADRA has been tasked with determining the threshold of poverty and to select deserving candidates for the scheme. The registration forms will be provided by NADRA at a minimal price. For handling the project, a special authority will be established after legislation by the assembly. The project will be executed through the public-private partnership.
Read more: Why PM Khan’s 5-million houses project can become a reality?
Last month, the prime minister chaired a meeting of the Task Force on Housing which was attended by Housing Minister for Punjab Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Mr. Najeeb Haroon, MNA, Lt. Gen Moazzam Ajaz, Quarter-Master General (QMG), Maj General Naveed Safdar, Director General Army Lands, Dr. Imran Zeb Khan, Secretary Housing, Mr. Arshad Dad, Mr. Yaqoob Tahir Izhar, Mr. Ali Zafar, Mr. Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, Mr. Saleem Ranjha of Akhuwwat Foundation and others.
The Task Force briefed the Premier about the progress achieved so far in constituting a comprehensive structure for planning, execution, and monitoring of the ‘05 million Housing Project’ for the low-income groups as well as regularization of Katchi Abadis. The on-going anti-encroachment campaign has also highlighted the government’s stance on this plight.
“This campaign is for our future. Everyone has to partake in it,” the prime minister urged, lamenting: “Pakistan is a gift but unfortunately we haven’t paid attention to its beautification.”
Lt. Gen Moazzam Ajaz, Quarter-Master General, made a detailed presentation on the army’s experience in catering to the housing needs of its personnel. He also offered Army’s expertise and assistance in implementing the 05 million housing project, local publications reported.
The Prime Minister said that besides utilizing the expertise of both the public and the private sector, successful financial models including that of Akhuwwat would be replicated to ensure success and affordability. The prime minister directed the Task Force to expedite finalization of the plan including the legislative framework for its consideration by the provincial and the federal government.
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Prime Minister Imran has earlier expressed hope that the “five million housing project”, besides addressing housing issues would be a force multiplier in generating economic activities through the creation of jobs and providing a boost to allied sectors of construction and housing.
Two days earlier, Prime Minister Khan launched the countrywide ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ campaign and urged people from all social strata to make it a success by actively participating in it.
Read more: PM Khan to launch “Pakistan Cleanliness Movement” next month
“This campaign is for our future. Everyone has to partake in it,” the prime minister urged, lamenting: “Pakistan is a gift but unfortunately we haven’t paid attention to its beautification.”