Maryam Nawaz honoured with UN-Habitat award

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has received the prestigious UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in Oman for her government’s housing initiative, “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar”.

The award recognises the Punjab government’s efforts to provide affordable housing to low-income families across the province. The programme was launched on August 21, 2024, with the aim of helping eligible residents build or obtain their own homes.

More than 200,000 homes have reportedly been provided under the initiative so far. The programme focuses particularly on families living in rented houses or informal settlements and seeks to help them secure permanent housing.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the recognition as a proud moment for Pakistan and Punjab. She said the award reflected Maryam Nawaz’s vision and commitment to providing ordinary families with housing, dignity and greater financial security.

Aurangzeb said the initiative was not merely about constructing houses but also about creating better opportunities and a more secure future for families across Punjab.

Punjab Education Minister Sikandar Hayat also welcomed the international recognition and praised the chief minister’s housing vision. He acknowledged Housing Minister Bilal Yaseen for his role in implementing the programme.

The “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” initiative is planned to continue for four and a half years, with the government aiming to expand access to affordable homes for deserving residents across Punjab.