Meezan Bank has approved over Rs31.45 billion in housing finance across 4,424 applications under the government’s Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme — Ghar Ho Tu Apna. The bank’s cumulative disbursements have crossed Rs4 billion, supporting around 650 families in their journey towards homeownership. Financing gained significant momentum in August 2026, when Meezan Bank disbursed approximately Rs2.2 billion in a single month, representing more than half of its total disbursements under the programme.

Access to the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Program has been expanded as eligible non-bank financial companies are now being allowed to participate in the low-cost housing finance scheme. The move is aimed at increasing outreach beyond traditional banks, while home financing is expected to be made more accessible for underserved borrowers across Pakistan.

The Punjab government has launched a major infrastructure initiative aimed at upgrading urban facilities across the province, with development projects now underway in fifty one cities. The programme, introduced under the Sohna Punjab initiative, seeks to improve municipal infrastructure, manage urban flooding, and modernize essential public services. Authorities say the projects form part of the Punjab Development Program, which focuses on strengthening drainage systems, improving sewer networks, and expanding urban infrastructure in rapidly growing cities. Officials believe the initiative will enhance urban resilience while supporting long term development across the province.

Infrastructure Development Planned Across Multiple Cities

Work orders for development projects in all participating cities have already been issued, allowing construction activities to begin simultaneously across different districts. The progress of the projects was reviewed during a meeting chaired by the provincial minister for local government, where officials from various departments presented updates on implementation plans.

Senior representatives from the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company and the National Engineering Services Pakistan were also present during the review meeting. Project directors briefed the participants on the timelines and technical aspects of the schemes, highlighting the government’s focus on ensuring timely execution of development work.

Authorities stated that the local government department has been assigned responsibility for overseeing projects in fifty two cities under the programme, while feasibility studies for additional locations are also being carried out.

Water Storage Infrastructure a Key Component

One of the central elements of the development programme is the construction of a large network of water storage facilities designed to reduce urban flooding and improve water management during heavy rainfall.

According to officials, the plan includes the construction of 324 roadside water storage tanks along with 34 underground reservoirs. These facilities will collectively be capable of storing nearly 94 million gallons of water.

The roadside storage tanks alone are expected to hold approximately 62 million gallons, while the underground tanks will add another 32 million gallons of capacity. These reservoirs will help capture rainwater during monsoon periods, reducing the risk of flooding in densely populated urban areas.

Authorities say the stored water can also contribute to replenishing underground water reserves, helping address water shortages in several cities.

Modern Technology Introduced for Infrastructure Projects

Officials involved in the project said that modern construction technologies are being introduced as part of the initiative. One of the key innovations includes the use of lining pipe technology, which is being adopted in Pakistan for the first time in municipal infrastructure projects.

The technology is designed to improve the durability and efficiency of water management systems while reducing maintenance requirements. Authorities have begun installing lining pipe plants at designated project sites to support construction work.

Government officials emphasized that adopting modern engineering methods will help ensure that the new infrastructure remains functional for many years and can withstand the pressures of rapid urban growth.

Extensive Sewerage and Drainage Systems Planned

The development programme also includes a large expansion of sewerage and drainage infrastructure across participating cities. Officials confirmed that approximately 3,500 kilometers of sewer lines will be constructed under the project.

In addition to the sewerage network, authorities plan to build 181 kilometers of drainage channels to improve storm water management. These drainage systems will play a critical role in preventing urban flooding during heavy rains.

Urban planners say that strengthening drainage infrastructure is essential as rapid urbanization continues to increase pressure on existing municipal systems.

Roads and Streets to Receive Major Upgrades

Alongside water and sewerage projects, the programme also includes improvements to road infrastructure within participating cities. Officials said that approximately 2,600 kilometers of roads and streets will be developed or upgraded as part of the initiative.

Upgrading road networks is expected to improve connectivity within urban areas while supporting economic activity and mobility for residents. Infrastructure planners believe that improved road systems will help cities accommodate growing populations and expanding commercial activity.

Authorities noted that proper planning and modern construction standards will be applied to ensure the durability and safety of road infrastructure.

Master Planning Introduced for Urban Development

Officials said that comprehensive urban master planning has been carried out for the cities included in the programme. The initiative represents one of the first large scale efforts to introduce structured development planning across multiple municipalities simultaneously.

Urban planners believe that coordinated planning will help cities manage population growth more effectively while improving public services and infrastructure quality.

Authorities emphasized that safety measures will be strictly enforced at construction sites. Deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners have been directed to regularly submit safety audit reports to ensure that projects are executed according to established standards.

Outlook for Urban Development in Punjab

The Sohna Punjab programme represents one of the largest municipal infrastructure initiatives currently underway in the province. By investing in drainage systems, water storage facilities, road networks, and sewer infrastructure, the government aims to improve urban living conditions and strengthen city resilience.

As construction progresses across multiple cities, the programme is expected to contribute to improved infrastructure capacity while supporting broader urban development across Punjab.