The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified that employees of banks, development finance institutions (DFIs) and microfinance banks (MFBs) are not eligible to obtain financing under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program – Ghar Ho Tu Apna. The clarification was issued through SH&SFD Circular Letter No. 05 of 2026 dated September 14, 2026, and applies to employees of the financial institutions participating in the housing finance programme.
Under the instruction, banks, DFIs and MFBs have been directed to communicate the eligibility restriction to their branches and field staff. SBP has also instructed financial institutions to ensure proper compliance with the clarification. The decision specifically addresses the eligibility of employees working for institutions that are involved in providing and facilitating housing finance under the government-backed programme.
The Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program is designed to expand access to affordable housing finance for eligible applicants. SBP has issued several instructions during 2026 to facilitate implementation of the programme, including measures covering the application process, property assessment and borrower eligibility. In April, SBP also set a maximum debt burden ratio of 65% of a prospective borrower’s net disposable income for housing finance under the scheme and directed banks to complete credit approval within 15 working days once a complete application is received.
The programme has also been expanded through a multi-channel implementation strategy. In June 2026, SBP said overseas and non-resident Pakistanis holding valid NICOP or POC documents could obtain financing under the programme. The framework also allowed participating financial institutions to arrange institutional financing for government employees through department-level bulk processing and to extend financing for private developer-led housing projects.
The current restriction therefore separates financial institution employees from other eligible borrowers who may benefit from the government-supported housing programme. While banks, DFIs and MFBs remain responsible for implementing and facilitating financing under the scheme, their own employees cannot use the programme to obtain housing finance for themselves. SBP has asked institutions to ensure that the clarification is communicated effectively across relevant staff and operational channels.
The programme was originally introduced as a government-backed affordable housing finance initiative and was later renamed Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program – Ghar Ho Tu Apna. The revised name was formally notified in March 2026, replacing the earlier title Mera Ghar – Mera Ashiana. SBP and participating financial institutions subsequently issued implementation instructions covering financing channels and operational requirements.
The latest SBP circular does not change the broader purpose of the housing programme but specifically clarifies the eligibility position of employees working within banks, DFIs and MFBs. Financial institutions have been directed to follow the instruction and make sure their branches and field teams are aware that their own employees cannot avail financing under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program.
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