ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to further simplify procedures and accelerate loan approvals under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Scheme, stressing that greater facilitation for applicants would help more citizens realise their dream of owning a home.
The prime minister, while chairing a review meeting on the progress of the housing initiative, said the strong public response to the scheme was highly encouraging and reflected the growing demand for affordable housing, a PM Office news release said.
During the meeting, he directed the Ministry of Housing to work with the State Bank of Pakistan to make the application form more user-friendly and easier for applicants to understand. He also instructed banks to expedite the approval process for valid applications and ensure timely disbursement of loans.
To address difficulties faced by applicants in obtaining land ownership documents, he directed provincial governments to establish facilitation desks at the district level dedicated to the Apna Ghar Scheme.
Separately, chairing a high-level meeting on railway reforms, the prime minister approved a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at overhauling Pakistan Railways and directed authorities to prioritise freight services, attract private investment and modernise the country’s rail network to transform it into a safe, affordable and efficient mode of transport.
He said Pakistan Railways possessed immense potential to become a reliable and cost-effective transportation system for both passengers and freight, while also contributing to economic growth and regional connectivity, a PM Office news release said.
He directed relevant authorities to engage internationally renowned experts and consultants for the implementation of the reform roadmap and stressed the need to encourage private-sector participation through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
The prime minister also instructed that revenue generated through private-sector investment on railway-owned land should be reinvested into the improvement and modernisation of railway infrastructure and services.
According to the briefing, the reform plan includes measures to improve governance, accelerate digitalisation, expand railway lines, strengthen regional connectivity, enhance private-sector participation through PPP arrangements, and achieve financial stability.
The roadmap also covers the introduction of modern coaches, improved passenger facilities at trains and railway stations, upgrading of major railway corridors including ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3, and rightsizing initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Meawnhile, the prime minister extended his best wishes to the host nations and participating teams as the 23rd FIFA World Cup commenced, amid highlighting Pakistan’s contribution to the global sporting spectacle through the manufacture of the tournament’s official match balls.
In a message posted on his official X account, the prime minister described the opening of the FIFA World Cup as a special occasion for football fans around the world and a celebration of sport’s power to unite people across borders, cultures and nationalities.
The prime minister said Pakistan was proud to be associated with the global football event through its internationally recognised sporting goods industry. He noted that the official match balls, “Trionda,” being used during the tournament had been manufactured in Pakistan, showcasing the skill, craftsmanship and expertise of Pakistani workers.
Separately, the prime minister also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan football team, coaches and management on becoming champions on winning the final of the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament.
Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament final in Male on Wednesday. The win gave Pakistan their first senior men’s international final triumph since 1991 and first standalone title since 1952.
