Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been invited to Muscat, Oman, to receive the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for Punjab’s “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing programme. The award ceremony will take place on October 5 during the global observance of World Habitat Day.
The programme was selected by UN-Habitat in recognition of its contribution to expanding access to safe and affordable housing for low-income families. UN-Habitat said the selection followed a competitive review process involving nominations from around the world.
The Scroll of Honour Award was launched in 1989 and recognises individuals, organisations and initiatives that make significant contributions to housing and sustainable human settlements. The award is presented during the global World Habitat Day observance.
The “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme was launched in August 2024 and provides financial support to eligible families for house construction. According to official figures reported in September, more than Rs. 259 billion in interest-free loans had been disbursed to over 200,000 applicants.
Maryam Nawaz has described the international recognition as an honour for homeless people in Punjab, dedicating the award to those without homes.
The ceremony will be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. The 2026 World Habitat Day programme will also include discussions and activities focused on adequate housing and sustainable urban development.
The recognition brings international attention to Punjab’s housing initiative and its stated focus on providing housing opportunities to low-income households.
