CM Maryam discusses housing projects with Omani Minister Khalfan in Muscat

Omani Minister for Housing and Urban Planning, Dr Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak Al-Shuaili, met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Muscat, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Dr Khalfan extended a warm welcome to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her delegation.

Omani Minister congratulated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on receiving the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award.

Dr Khalfan Al-Shuaili, expressed keen interest in Punjab’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming reception of Punjab’s landmark housing project, “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar.”

Maryam Nawaz Sharif briefed the Omani delegation on the details of Punjab’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project and answered their questions.

Chief Minister also provided details regarding the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar”, “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar”  and “Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat” projects. 

Maryam Nawaz said issuing loans to over 200,000 individuals for home construction under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” initiative in just 18 months is an extraordinary achievement. 

She said interest-free loans worth Rs260 billion have not only been issued under “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar,” but the collection of installments has also commenced.

More than 125,000 families have moved into their homes under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” initiative, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said merit and transparency are the hallmarks of the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project; no recommendations or political influence are required.

I aspire to build one million homes under “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar,” though economic constraints stand in the way, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.

We will meet the target of constructing 500,000 homes for low-income individuals within five years. Maryam Nawaz added.

CM Maryam said the recovery rate for the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project exceeded 99 percent, thanks to the affordable monthly installment of just Rs14,000. 

Comprehensive provincial data has been compiled under the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry, which helps determine housing needs, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said every home built under “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” holds a heartwarming story.

Detailed discussion held regarding matters of urban planning and development during the meeting.

Omani Minister said the large Pakistani community residing in Oman is rendering valuable services. 

Dr Khalfan said for every Pakistani, much like for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif; Oman is akin to a second home. 

There are two models for housing loans in Oman; housing grants are provided for those with an income below a certain threshold, Omani Minister said.

Loans are issued through the Oman Housing Bank, but the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” initiative is a superior project because it is interest-free, Dr Khalfan commended.

He said two distinct departments Housing and Urban Development are operational in Oman. 

Focus is being placed on urban planning through integrated strategies and sustainable approaches to support Muscat’s burgeoning real estate industry, Dr Khalfan said.

He said urban development is being carried out with a focus on economic and environmental planning, keeping in view the specific needs of each community and sector. 

Oman is prioritizing smart housing solutions to meet future requirements. Dr Khalfan said.

Omani Minister said Pakistani companies are making valuable contributions to the real estate sector in Muscat.