Banks across Pakistan have so far disbursed Rs34.27 billion in affordable housing loans, while total financing approved and ready for disbursement has reached approximately Rs220.68 billion under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme – Ghar Ho To Apna.

The progress was reviewed during the second meeting of the Access to Finance Steering Committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The committee has been established to provide strategic oversight for the accelerated implementation of the Prime Minister's Access to Finance Plan 2026–2028.

Under the affordable housing initiative, loans of up to Rs10 million are being provided at a fixed interest rate of 5% for borrowers.

To support the programme and absorb the interest cost, the Ministry of Finance has allocated Rs72 billion in subsidy for the current fiscal year.

The committee noted strong traction in the housing programme, with around Rs34.27 billion disbursed up to July and more than Rs220.68 billion in loans approved by banks and ready for disbursement.

The committee reviewed measures aimed at further strengthening the housing finance ecosystem, including the digitization of land and property records, verification of title documents, engagement with developers, and improved mechanisms for mortgage-based lending.

Particular emphasis was placed on establishing clearer property verification procedures and facilitating financing against properly registered and verifiable property titles.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the broader Access to Finance Plan, including initiatives covering SME, agriculture and housing finance.

In agriculture, discussions focused on expanding lending to growers and strengthening crop insurance coverage. The committee reviewed efforts to enhance the Crop Loan Insurance Scheme (CLIS) towards an area-yield insurance framework, which could improve farmers' access to insurance payouts.

Greater coordination among banks, non-bank financial institutions and other stakeholders was also emphasized to improve financing and payment mechanisms for growers.

The committee also reviewed progress under the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Programme, noting that more than 1,200 electric bikes have been delivered to customers.

Discussions focused on facilitating financing for electric mobility in support of the government's broader transition toward EVs under the NEV Policy 2030, with the objectives of reducing fuel imports, lowering long-term costs for consumers and improving environmental outcomes.

The finance minister emphasized continued coordination among the Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Banks' Association, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the Access to Finance Plan.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining regularly updated dashboards to monitor progress across key financing initiatives and address implementation challenges in a timely manner.