Prime Minister PM Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to affordable housing for low-income families. He said housing development remains one of the government’s top priorities as Pakistan faces rising urban population pressures.
Chairing an important meeting on housing sector reforms, PM Shehbaz stressed the need for immediate improvements in the country’s housing system. He said Pakistan’s fast-growing population has made housing reforms more necessary than ever before.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said the government is focused on providing affordable homes for lower-income groups. He added that increasing private sector involvement in housing projects is also essential. According to him, better public services and improved planning are key to meeting future housing demands.
The prime minister also raised concerns about rapid and unplanned urban growth in major cities. He said this trend is placing heavy pressure on agricultural land. He emphasized that a clear and practical strategy is needed to manage urban expansion in a sustainable way.
To improve governance, PM Shehbaz directed relevant authorities to digitize and automate all housing-related processes. He said digital systems would increase transparency, reduce delays, and strengthen accountability across the sector.
The meeting also focused on strengthening regulation within the housing industry. Officials informed the prime minister about several reform proposals aimed at improving transparency and simplifying rules for credible investors and developers.
One of the key suggestions discussed was making registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan mandatory for all individuals and companies operating in the housing and development sector. Officials said this move would help regulate the market and improve investor confidence.
Authorities also proposed introducing better town planning systems. These include encouraging vertical development through high-rise buildings in major urban centers and creating structured master planning frameworks to control urban sprawl.
Another proposal reviewed during the meeting was the creation of a one-window system. This system would protect the interests of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders while making approval processes faster and more efficient.
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PM Shehbaz directed officials to hold consultations with provincial governments before finalizing the proposed reforms. The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members and officials from key ministries, including finance, law, interior, economic affairs, and housing.
