Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need for comprehensive reforms and digitalization in Pakistan’s housing sector, saying rapid population growth and unplanned urban expansion are placing increasing pressure on agricultural land.
Image: APP
Chairing a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms in Islamabad on Thursday, the prime minister said affordable housing for low-income groups, promotion of low-cost housing schemes, private sector participation, and improved public amenities were among the government’s top priorities, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He directed authorities to digitise and automate all housing-related matters to improve transparency and governance.
PM Shehbaz said bringing the housing sector under a proper regulatory framework was essential to attract overseas investment and ensure sustainable growth in the real estate and development sectors.
Officials presented multiple reform proposals during the meeting, including simplifying regulations to facilitate credible investors and developers while enhancing transparency in housing projects.
The meeting was informed that mandatory registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) was being proposed for all entities operating in the housing and development sector.
Participants also discussed strategies to prevent unplanned urban sprawl, including encouraging vertical expansion and construction of high-rise buildings in major cities to make more efficient use of land resources.
Proposals for master town planning in large urban centres and establishing a one-window system to protect the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders were also reviewed.
The prime minister directed officials to consult provincial governments regarding the proposed reforms and policy measures.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior officials, and representatives of key government institutions.
