Difference Between ACAG and AZAG Punjab Schemes
In early 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched two flagship housing initiatives for low-income families:
- Apni Zameen Apna Ghar (AZAG)
- Apni Chhat Apna Ghar (ACAG)
Although both schemes aim to provide secure housing to the underprivileged, there are clear differences between ACAG and AZAG Punjab schemes in terms of purpose, eligibility, and application process.
Let’s break down each scheme in simple terms and highlight their differences for better understanding.
🏡 What is Apni Zameen Apna Ghar (AZAG)?
AZAG is a free residential plot distribution scheme designed to help poor and homeless people in Punjab.
🔑 Key Features of AZAG Scheme:
- Free 3-marla plot (675 sq. ft.) to eligible families
- No application fee
- Transparent balloting system for fair allotment
- Prioritization for widows, orphans, disabled persons, and laborers
- Available in 23 housing schemes across 19 districts (Phase 1)
- Plots granted under full ownership
🏠 What is Apni Chhat Apna Ghar (ACAG)?
ACAG is a home construction loan scheme for those who already own land but cannot afford to build a house.
💰 Key Features of ACAG Scheme:
- Interest-free construction loans up to Rs. 1.5 million
- Payable in monthly installments of Rs. 14,000 over 7 years
- Available for 5-marla urban or 10-marla rural landowners
- Designed to empower families with land but no house
- Offers zero markup and flexible repayment terms
🆚 Difference Between ACAG and AZAG Punjab Schemes
| Feature | AZAG (Apni Zameen Apna Ghar) | ACAG (Apni Chhat Apna Ghar) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provide free residential plots | Provide interest-free loans for house building |
| Eligibility | Must not own any land or house | Must already own land (5-marla urban/10-marla rural) |
| Financial Aid | Free land only | Loan up to Rs. 1.5 million |
| Target Beneficiaries | Homeless, landless, low-income | Landowners with no house |
| Repayment Required | No | Yes – Rs. 14,000/month for 7 years |
| Priority Groups | Widows, orphans, disabled, laborers | General low-income landowners |
| How to Apply | azag.punjab.gov.pk | acag.punjab.gov.pk |
| Plot Size | 3-marla (675 sq. ft.) | N/A (must already own plot) |
📜 Eligibility Criteria for Each Scheme
AZAG Scheme:
- Resident of Punjab (as per CNIC)
- No property ownership (including spouse and children)
- NSER registered with PMT score ≤ 60
- Monthly income below Rs. 50,000
- Age 18+, preferably married
- No criminal record or loan default
- Must be head of nuclear family (verified by NADRA)
ACAG Scheme:
- Already own 5-marla land (urban) or 10-marla (rural)
- Must meet income and NSER criteria
- Resident of Punjab with valid CNIC
- Land must be registered under applicant’s name
📝 How to Apply for AZAG and ACAG Punjab Schemes
✅ Online Application
| Scheme | Website |
|---|---|
| AZAG (Plot) | azag.punjab.gov.pk |
| ACAG (Loan) | acag.punjab.gov.pk |
Required Documents:
- CNIC (self + spouse)
- Domicile or utility bill for residence proof
- NADRA Family Certificate
- Proof of income / Affidavit
- NSER verification slip
🏢 Offline Application:
Visit your local Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office
Free Help Desks are available for guidance and application submission.
🙋 FAQs – Common Questions About ACAG & AZAG Punjab
Q1. Can I apply for both schemes?
No. You can apply for only one scheme based on whether you own land or not.
Q2. Is there any application fee?
No. Both schemes are completely free to apply.
Q3. How do I know if I’m selected?
You’ll be notified via SMS or email, and results are announced through a balloting system.
Q4. What if I miss the application deadline?
You can visit your DC Office or the official website to check for reopening or future phases.
Q5. Can I apply if I live in Punjab but my CNIC is from another province?
No. You must be a verified resident of Punjab to be eligible.
📢 Final Words
The difference between ACAG and AZAG Punjab schemes lies in their target groups:
- AZAG is for those without land,
- ACAG is for those who have land but need funds to build.
Both are major steps by CM Maryam Nawaz toward “Housing for All”, ensuring that the poor get not just land but a real opportunity to live with dignity.
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