ISLAMABAD: The government is targeting Rs700 billion in housing loans for 125,000 residential units this year under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, but concerns over applicant facilitation at participating banks continue to raise questions about how effectively the scheme is reaching the people it is designed to support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed progress on the housing target at a meeting that also examined measures to improve lending for small and medium enterprises and the agriculture sector.
Officials said the government was expanding financial support for businesses seeking to adopt modern technology and compete more effectively in international markets. Consumers are also being given options to apply for small loans without visiting bank branches.
SME Portal to Go Live by End of November
The meeting was informed that an SME portal would become operational by the end of November to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
Officials also highlighted progress by the National Bank of Pakistan, saying 76 percent of housing finance applications received by the bank had been approved.
The figure was presented as a positive development under the government-backed housing programme.
Applicant Facilitation Remains a Key Test
Despite the government’s large financing target, the success of the housing scheme will depend heavily on how efficiently participating banks handle applications, communicate requirements and make services accessible to people outside major urban centres.
Earlier complaints from applicants under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme highlighted alleged delays at HBL and limited availability of housing finance services through Bank Alfalah in some rural areas, including Murree.
Some HBL applicants alleged that their cases remained unresolved for two to three months despite repeated follow-ups, while others said they were asked to submit fresh applications, updated bank statements and additional documents after extended waiting periods.
The complaints do not establish a blanket policy of non-cooperation by the banks, but they underline concerns over service delivery and applicant facilitation under the programme.
SBP Requires Timely Processing of Complete Applications
The State Bank of Pakistan has required participating banks to complete the credit approval process within 15 working days after receiving a complete application.
The timeline does not guarantee approval, and cases involving incomplete documentation, property verification or other outstanding requirements may take longer.
Applicants, however, have argued that banks should communicate deficiencies promptly rather than allowing cases to remain pending without clear updates.
With the government aiming to provide financing for 125,000 housing units this year, timely and transparent processing by participating banks will be central to translating the Rs700 billion target into actual home financing for eligible families.
The programme is intended to support low- and middle-income households seeking to purchase or construct their first homes.
The latest review shows that the government is continuing to expand housing and business financing, but the effectiveness of these initiatives will ultimately depend on whether banks can match policy ambition with accessible and responsive customer service.