Web Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif received the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in Muscat, Oman, on Monday for the provincial government’s Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme.
The award was presented during the global observance of World Habitat Day 2026 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. UN-Habitat’s official programme lists Muscat as the host city for this year’s global observance and includes the Scroll of Honour awards among the day’s proceedings.
Award recognises Punjab housing initiative
The award recognises the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme, a Punjab government housing initiative launched in August 2024 to support eligible residents in obtaining affordable housing.
According to Geo News, the Punjab government says more than 200,000 homes have already been delivered through the programme. That figure is a government claim and is therefore attributed rather than independently presented as a verified total.
UN-Habitat says its Scroll of Honour recognises individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to urban development, including efforts related to adequate and affordable housing and improving urban quality of life. The award was launched in 1989.
Maryam Nawaz dedicates award to homeless people
Before travelling to Oman, Maryam Nawaz had said she would dedicate the international recognition to homeless people in Punjab.
The chief minister described the award as an honour for people without homes, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
The programme was selected through the 2026 UN-Habitat award process. UN-Habitat said nominations were reviewed against established criteria, with a selection committee recommending winning initiatives to the organisation’s executive director. Up to five initiatives were to be recognised in 2026.
World Habitat Day ceremony in Muscat
The award ceremony coincided with World Habitat Day, observed globally on October 5.
UN-Habitat’s official programme lists the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat as the venue for the 2026 global observance. The day’s agenda included the Scroll of Honour awards and discussions focused on adequate housing.
The recognition places Punjab’s housing programme among the initiatives highlighted by UN-Habitat in its 2026 awards programme.
What is Apni Chhat Apna Ghar?
The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme was launched by the Punjab government in August 2024. It is aimed particularly at eligible lower-income residents, including people living in rented accommodation or informal settlements.
The programme seeks to help eligible families obtain or construct their own homes through government-backed assistance.
The international award provides recognition for the programme at a time when affordable housing remains a major focus of UN-Habitat’s global agenda.
