LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been invited to Muscat, Oman, to receive the prestigious UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award 2026 in recognition of the province’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar housing programme.
The award is being presented in acknowledgment of the provincial government’s efforts to expand access to affordable housing and provide shelter to low- and middle-income families. The recognition places Punjab’s housing initiative among programmes receiving international attention for their contribution to improve living conditions and to promote inclusive urban development.
The Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme is a flagship initiative of the Punjab government aimed at helping deserving families build houses on plots they already own. The scheme seeks to address the housing needs of families who face difficulties in financing construction and to improve access to safe and adequate housing.
Under the initiative, eligible applicants are provided financial assistance through an interest-free loan mechanism to construct homes. The programme has been presented by the provincial government as part of its broader social welfare agenda, with housing viewed as an important component of economic security and family wellbeing. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, rising construction costs and limited access to affordable housing have increased pressure on governments to develop practical housing solutions for vulnerable and lower-income populations.
The Punjab government has described Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar as a major step towards enabling families to become homeowners rather than relying solely on rental accommodation. The initiative has also been linked to employment generation and economic activity through construction, as increased house building creates demand for labour, building materials and related services.
Maryam Nawaz’s participation in the award ceremony would provide an international platform to present Punjab’s housing model and discuss the province’s approach to affordable housing and social development.
The UN-Habitat recognition comes as the provincial government continues to promote welfare-oriented initiatives under its development agenda. The housing programme remains one of the key initiatives associated with the chief minister’s efforts to improve access to basic necessities and strengthen support for financially vulnerable households.
The Scroll of Honour Award is expected to further raise the international profile of Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar, while drawing attention to the importance of affordable and dignified housing as a central element of sustainable development.