n 2025, the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched an ambitious housing scheme: free 3-marla residential plots for the poorest and homeless families. The scheme is officially known under Apni Zameen Apna Ghar (AZAG) and is processed through a dedicated digital portal. This is more than just giving land — it is an effort to give dignity, stability, and a foundation for future growth to those who have long lived without a roof they truly own.
What Is the 3 Marla Plot Scheme?
- Plot size: 3 marla (roughly 675 square feet) for residential use.
- Free of cost: The plots are to be allotted free, without installments or charges, for eligible persons.
- Number of plots (Phase 1): In the first phase, about 2,000 plots across 19 districts in Punjab.
- Value: The plots are estimated to have market values ranging from Rs. 18 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh depending on location.
- Supervising agency: The scheme is run under PHATA (Punjab Housing & Town Planning Agency) in consultation with HUD & PHED (Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering).
Eligibility Criteria & Conditions
You will not qualify simply by desire — there are defined rules you must satisfy. Below are the main eligibility conditions and post‑allotment rules:
What you must satisfy (eligibility)
- Permanent Punjab resident with valid CNIC: You must be a citizen of Punjab and hold a valid Computerized National Identity Card.
- District quota: You must apply in the district you belong to. You cannot apply for a scheme in another district arbitrarily.
- No prior property or house ownership: Neither you, your spouse, nor dependent children should already own a house or plot anywhere in Pakistan.
- Clean criminal record: No pending criminal cases or convictions.
- No bank defaults: You should not be a defaulter with any bank or financial institution.
- Accurate and honest data: False information or misrepresentation can disqualify you.
Terms & Conditions Post‑Allotment (what you must adhere to)
- Construction start & completion: You must begin construction within 6 months of possession, and complete the structure within 2 years (as per building by‑laws).
- No sale/transfer for 5 years: You cannot sell, transfer, or lease the plot for at least 5 years from the date of allotment. Doing so may annul your allotment.
- Residential use only: The plot must be used purely for dwelling; commercial usage or unauthorized alterations may lead to cancellation.
- Inspections & oversight: PHATA or concerned authorities can inspect at any stage to ensure rules are followed. Violations may lead to cancellation.
- Cancellation & forfeiture: If you violate conditions (build late, misuse, false data), the plot may be taken back without compensation. a
How to Apply Online via AZAG Portal (Step-by-Step)
The government has made the application process digital to make it accessible and transparent. Here is the usual process:
Step 1: Visit the portal & register
- Go to https://azag.punjab.gov.pk (the official AZAG portal)
- Click “Register” / “Sign Up”
- Fill personal info: CNIC, name, phone, email, password
- Verify your email/mobile via link or code
Step 2: Login & eligibility questionnaire
- Once registered, log in with your credentials
- You may be asked a few preliminary questions (e.g. do you own any property, which district, income, etc.) to see if you qualify
Step 3: Fill the application form
- Enter your personal details, residence, income & employment, family & dependents
- Provide your address, domicile, bank or salary details where needed
- Answer questions about whether you or your family have other property
Step 4: Upload required documents
You’ll need to scan and upload these files (ensure clarity):
- CNIC front & back
- Proof of residence / domicile
- Income certificate / bank statement
- Affidavit of no property ownership
- Passport‑size photographs
- Any additional documents requested by the portal
Step 5: Review & submit
- Double-check all the information and uploaded documents
- Submit the form
- You should receive a confirmation, application ID / acknowledgment number for tracking
Step 6: Verification, scrutiny & balloting
- The submitted applications will be verified by relevant offices (district administration, PHATA, NADRA, land record offices)
- After verification, a computerized balloting (draw) will select successful applicants in each district quota.
- You will be notified (via SMS, email, portal) whether your application succeeded or not.
Risks, Challenges & Things to Watch Out For
- Fake agents / fraudsters
Some people may approach you, promising “guaranteed allotment” or “fast track processing” for extra fees. Always use the official portal and do not pay any third party. - Data mismatch or mistakes
If your CNIC, domicile, or other record mismatches what the government database has (e.g. NADRA or land records), your application may get rejected. - Delayed scrutiny or balloting
Bureaucracy and workload may delay your application or results. - Plots in remote areas / poor infrastructure
The plots allotted may be in areas still lacking utilities (roads, electricity, water). Be aware of location before making decisions. - Failure to build on time
If you don’t start construction within 6 months or complete within 2 years, your allotment may be canceled. - Non-transfer rule
You cannot sell or transfer the plot for 5 years. If you do, the allotment can be revoked. - Over‑subscribed quotas
Since many people will apply, competition will be high. Not everyone who applies will get a plot.
Example Scenario: How It Works for “Sara from Jhelum”
Sara lives with her children in a rented house in Jhelum. She has no property in her name or in her children’s names. She qualifies under the poverty-based rules. When she heard of the CM 3 Marla Plot Scheme 2025, she went to the AZAG portal, registered with her CNIC and email, filled in her details, and uploaded her documents (CNIC copy, domicile, income certificate, affidavit of no property). She submitted before deadline and got an application ID.
After a few weeks, she checks back and sees on the portal that her application is “Under Verification.” Later, via SMS she is informed she won the plot in Jhelum’s quota. She receives an allotment letter with the plot number and instructions. She must begin construction within six months. Sara prepares her building plans and arranges a small loan or savings to begin work.
Tips & Best Practices for Applicants
- Apply early — don’t wait until the last moment with server overload and mistakes.
- Have documents ready — CNIC, domicile, income proof, affidavits, etc. Scan clearly.
- Double-check entries — spelling, digits, addresses — data mismatches can kill your application.
- Keep your application ID safe — use it to track status.
- Monitor portal and SMS — you might be asked to submit extra papers or attend scrutiny.
- Plan finances early — for construction, materials, labor.
- Follow building rules — abide the timelines and use plot for residential purpose only.
- Avoid brokers who ask for commission — all processing should be free.
- Get help if needed — local PHATA office, Deputy Commissioner, or help desks in your district can assist.
Why This Scheme Matters
This is not just about giving a plot; it is a message: dignity, shelter, and equality. For many families, rental homes absorb much of their limited income. Owning land means security, an asset for the future, and a foundation to build generational wealth.