Pakistan, June 12 -- Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to further simplify procedures and accelerate loan approvals under the Prime Minister's Apna Ghar Scheme, stressing that greater facilitation for applicants would help more citizens realize their dream of owning a home.

The prime minister amid chairing a review meeting on the progress of the housing initiative, said the strong public response to the scheme was highly encouraging and reflected the growing demand for affordable housing, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Shari said, "Participation of a large number of citizens in the Apna Ghar Scheme is extremely welcome. If we continue at the current pace, the dre...