apna ghar housing
| |

PM “Apna Ghar” housing scheme sees 52%…

The number of applicants for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Apna Ghar Housing Scheme has increased by 52%, according to the Ministry of Finance, reflecting growing demand for housing finance across the country.

The development was discussed during a meeting of the Steering Committee on Access to Finance chaired by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed progress in several priority sectors, including housing, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exports, information technology and renewable energy.

According to officials housing finance increased from Rs294 billion at the end of June to Rs307 billion by mid-August.

Applications under the Prime Minister Apna Ghar programme have risen by 52% since June, reaching approximately 139,000 applications. The number of approved applications also increased by 84%, exceeding 46,000.

Officials said approved financing under the programme has nearly doubled rising from Rs144 billion to Rs279 billion.

The number of loans disbursed through the Apna Ghar programme increased by 59% to more than 7,600 loans, with the total amount disbursed exceeding Rs38 billion.

The meeting also reviewed regulatory and legal measures aimed at expanding access to housing finance. These include revised prudential regulations introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Under the updated framework housing finance includes a 90:10 loan-to-value ratio a 65% debt-burden ratio and new procedures for assessing informal income.

Officials also discussed measures to simplify property valuation and documentation, expand digital processing and make long-term housing finance more accessible.

The approval of the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Amendment Act 2026 was described as an important legal reform for improving the recovery and enforcement framework for mortgage-based lending.

The government has also set ambitious targets for agriculture and SME financing. It aims to increase financing in these sectors to Rs1.5 trillion by June 2027 and Rs2 trillion by June 2028.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need to direct the financial sector toward productive investment, business expansion, home ownership, agricultural productivity and export-led economic growth.The number of applicants for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Apna Ghar Housing Scheme has increased by 52%, according to the Ministry of Finance, reflecting growing demand for housing finance across the country.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Matching rings reignite Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid romance buzz

    Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid have once again ignited speculation about the status of their relationship after they were spotted holding hands in Paris while appearing to wear matching rings. The actor, 51, and the 31-year-old supermodel were seen returning to their hotel after a workout on Monday, looking relaxed in coordinated athletic outfits. Carrying reusable water bottles and dressed in casual sportswear, the couple kept a low profile as they walked through the French capital. However, it was the rings on their fingers that quickly became the focus of attention, prompting fresh engagement rumors among fans. The sighting marked another public appearance for the pair, who have been romantically linked since October 2023. Although they have chosen to keep much of their relationship private, the two have occasionally been seen together at high-profile events and during casual outings. Observers noted that Cooper had been photographed leaving a gym by himself just two days earlier without wearing a ring, making the latest appearance even more noticeable. While neither Cooper nor Hadid has addressed the speculation, the matching jewelry has fueled widespread discussion across social media. Despite growing public interest, the couple have remained relatively reserved about their romance. Hadid made their relationship Instagram official during celebrations for her 30th birthday when she included a photo featuring Cooper in a series of images shared with fans. The post offered a rare glimpse into their personal life together without revealing many details. Earlier, in her April 2025 Vogue cover interview, Hadid spoke candidly about relationships and finding the right partner. She emphasized the importance of understanding what a person wants and deserves before entering a committed relationship. She explained that it is meaningful when two people reach a stage in life where they both know what they are looking for and are willing to continue working on themselves while supporting each other. According to Hadid, building a healthy relationship requires individual growth as well as mutual effort to become the best possible partners. Although the pair have yet to make an official red carpet debut as a couple, they have attended several major events together. Among their most notable appearances was the 2026 Met Gala, where they were both present, adding to public curiosity about their relationship. More recently, Cooper and Hadid were reportedly seen together in July while attending the wedding celebration of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, further demonstrating that they continue to spend time together despite maintaining a relatively private romance. Before dating Cooper, Hadid was in a long-term relationship with singer Zayn Malik. The former couple share a five-year-old daughter, Khai, and continue to co-parent. Cooper, meanwhile, shares nine-year-old daughter Lea with his former partner, Irina Shayk. While neither Cooper nor Hadid has commented on the latest wave of engagement speculation, their matching rings and affectionate appearance in Paris have once again placed their relationship firmly in the spotlight, leaving fans eager to see whether wedding bells could be on the horizon.

  • |

    UK petrol theft hits £200,000 a day amid fuel price surge

    The sharp rise in fuel prices across the United Kingdom has triggered a significant increase in petrol theft, with filling stations now losing an estimated £200,000 worth of fuel every day, according to media reports. Petrol station operators have reported a growing number of “drive-off” incidents, where motorists fill their vehicles with fuel and leave without making payment. The trend has become increasingly common as higher fuel costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Reports indicate that the overall financial impact of fuel theft has climbed by 48 percent following the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices. Retailers say the increase has added to the challenges already facing fuel station businesses, many of which are struggling with rising operating costs. The spike in fuel prices followed heightened tensions during the Iran conflict, when global oil markets experienced sharp volatility. During that period, the price of petrol reportedly increased by 27 pence per litre, while diesel prices rose by 37 pence per litre, making fuel significantly more expensive for consumers. Industry representatives warn that the consequences extend beyond financial losses. According to the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), the rise in fuel prices has also been accompanied by an increase in abusive and aggressive behaviour directed at petrol station employees. Pump attendants have reportedly faced more verbal harassment and confrontations from frustrated customers. Fuel retailers are urging authorities to take stronger action against theft and improve security measures at filling stations. They also stress the need for greater protection for frontline staff, who are increasingly being exposed to difficult and sometimes dangerous situations while carrying out their duties.

  • |

    Nadeem Omar re-elected Karachi cricket chief

    Nadeem Omar has been re-elected as President of the Regional Cricket Association (RCA) Karachi, securing a third consecutive term after being elected unopposed. His latest victory extends his leadership of Karachi’s regional cricket body for another three years. The election concluded with a unanimous result, as the Nadeem Omar panel secured all 15 votes cast by eligible voters. With the clean sweep, Omar completed a hat-trick of victories, having now won the presidential election for the third time in a row. The election also saw Ali Hussain elected as Secretary of the Regional Cricket Association Karachi. Like Omar, he received all 15 votes and will serve a three-year term. Following the announcement of the results, the newly elected president and secretary thanked the club representatives, voters and members of their panel for expressing confidence in their leadership. They described the unanimous support as a sign of trust from Karachi’s cricket community. Nadeem Omar said his team would continue working to strengthen cricket across the city. He pledged to promote transparency, merit and accountability in the administration of regional cricket while ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the game. He said one of the administration’s top priorities would be the development of young cricketers through improved coaching programmes, better facilities and increased opportunities at the grassroots level. He added that identifying and supporting talented players from local clubs would remain a key focus during the next three years. Ali Hussain also reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to improving the overall structure of cricket in Karachi. He said efforts would be made to enhance coordination with clubs, organise competitive tournaments and create a stronger pathway for emerging players to progress to higher levels of the game. The newly elected leadership stressed that all stakeholders, including clubs, coaches, players and cricket organisers, would be taken on board to strengthen the regional cricket system. They said cooperation among all parties would help improve standards and produce more talented cricketers for domestic and international competitions. Speaking after his re-election, Nadeem Omar said the victory belonged not only to him but to every club and cricket enthusiast who had placed their confidence in his leadership

  • | |

    Camila Mendes breaks silence on eating disorder an…

    Camila Mendes is opening up about one of the most difficult periods of her life, revealing that the intense pressure she experienced while filming the first season of Riverdale contributed to an eating disorder relapse and frequent panic attacks. The actress shared her emotional story during a recent appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, where she reflected on the challenges of navigating fame at a young age.  Mendes, 32, explained that her struggle was fueled by perfectionism and the constant pressure to look flawless on camera. She admitted that she felt she had to be at her best every single day, both in terms of her performance and appearance, leaving little room for mistakes or emotional vulnerability. Those expectations, she said, intensified body image issues that had first developed during her high school years.  The Riverdale star recalled watching episodes of the show and becoming overly critical of her appearance. She said she would focus on perceived flaws instead of appreciating her work, which only worsened her unhealthy relationship with food and her body. Mendes described feeling “disgusting” on camera at times, admitting that the relentless self-criticism played a major role in triggering her eating disorder.  Alongside the eating disorder, Mendes revealed that she also experienced panic attacks while working on the hit CW series. She explained that the demanding filming schedule often left her with little time to process her emotions. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she struggled to express what she was going through because she did not want to delay production or let the cast and crew down.  As the pressure mounted, Mendes was eventually prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help her cope. Looking back, she admitted that while the medication helped her continue working, it also left her feeling emotionally numb. She now believes it was a temporary solution rather than a long-term answer to what she was experiencing.  Despite the difficult memories, Mendes emphasized that she does not view her Riverdale journey negatively. She said she still treasures many experiences from the seven-season series and remains grateful for the opportunities it gave her. However, she acknowledged that being in her early 20s and having little control over her schedule made the experience far more challenging than it might have been later in life.  Today, Mendes says she has developed a healthier relationship with herself by prioritizing mental well-being over perfection. By sharing her story, she hopes others facing similar struggles understand they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Her candid reflections also highlight the hidden pressures that many young actors face behind the scenes, reminding fans that even successful stars can quietly battle anxiety, self-doubt and body image issues while pursuing their dreams. 

  • | |

    Erica Robin urges Pakistan to protect children

    Pakistan’s first Miss Universe, Erica Robin, used Independence Day to highlight an urgent issue facing children across the country, urging parents to take stronger measures to protect them from sexual abuse. In a message shared on social media, Robin said that while Independence Day is a time to celebrate Pakistan, the occasion should also be used to speak about serious social problems. She said recent reports of violence and abuse involving children were deeply disturbing and required greater awareness among families. Robin offered parents three key suggestions for protecting their children. First, she urged parents not to assume that children are automatically safe with relatives or other people they know. She said families should remain aware of who has regular access to their children, regardless of whether the child is a boy or a girl. Her second recommendation was to teach children about personal boundaries. Robin said children should understand that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to refuse unwanted physical contact. Parents, she stressed, should never force children to hug, kiss or show affection to another person if they are uncomfortable. Robin identified open communication as the most important step. She encouraged parents to create an environment where children can speak freely about anything that makes them uncomfortable or frightened. She also advised parents to pay attention to sudden changes in a child’s behaviour, particularly when the child appears uneasy around a particular person. The model urged parents to share these lessons with others and work collectively to create an environment where children feel safe, respected and heard. Her message comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Pakistan. More than 1,900 cases of child abuse were reported across the country during the first half of the year, according to data cited in the report. Several recent cases have intensified public concern. In Karachi, police arrested a 17-year-old relative after the father of a young girl reported that she had gone out with him to buy something and later returned unconscious after being sexually assaulted. Earlier, the deaths of two young girls in Karachi and Sargodha also sparked outrage. Police investigations into both cases involved allegations of sexual violence, while several suspects were detained in connection with the incidents.

  • | | | |

    Rome talks continue despite fresh Israel-Lebanon c…

    JERUSALEM: Fresh violence erupted along the Israel-Lebanon border on Wednesday after two Israeli soldiers were killed during a military operation in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliatory Israeli airstrikes even as diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions continued in Rome. The latest escalation comes despite a US-brokered security arrangement reached in June, which was intended to ease hostilities between Israel and Lebanon following months of cross-border clashes. According to Israeli authorities, the two soldiers were killed and four others wounded when an explosion ripped through a building they had entered during a security sweep inside southern Lebanon. Israeli Army Radio, citing a security source, reported that investigators were still trying to determine whether the explosive device had been planted before or after the ceasefire agreement. Soon after the incident, the Israeli military described the explosion as a “blatant ceasefire violation” and launched a series of retaliatory strikes targeting areas in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials said one civilian was killed and at least 12 others were injured after Israeli strikes hit the town of Tibnin, around 25 kilometres from Mansouri. Before the attack, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for residents in the area—the first such online warning directed at Lebanon in more than a month. However, Israel’s tone appeared to soften a day later. In a statement mourning the soldiers, Defence Minister Israel Katz did not directly accuse Hezbollah or refer to a ceasefire violation, signalling that Israeli authorities may be seeking to avoid a wider military escalation. Israel continues to maintain a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, saying its forces are operating there to eliminate threats posed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and to enhance border security. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain underway in Rome, where Israeli and Lebanese officials are participating in talks that began on Tuesday and are scheduled to continue through Thursday. The negotiations are focused on strengthening the June security arrangement and preventing further violence along the volatile frontier. The renewed bloodshed underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and highlights the challenges facing mediators seeking lasting stability in the region. While both sides have expressed interest in preventing a broader conflict, sporadic violence continues to threaten the progress made through recent diplomatic initiatives. With negotiations still in progress and tensions remaining high, regional observers fear that any further incidents along the border could quickly undermine the fragile peace and derail ongoing efforts to maintain security between the neighbouring countries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *