A delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Thursday to discuss housing and real estate reforms. The key focus of the meeting was the establishment of a Land Data Bank to strengthen asset management and transparency in Pakistan.
The delegation included Hong Soo, Senior Housing Specialist from ADB Headquarters, and Mian Shaukat Shafi, Unit Head Urban at ADB’s Pakistan Resident Mission. They were briefed on the ministry’s plan to compile comprehensive information on federal government land, especially prime properties across the country.
Minister Pirzada welcomed the ADB team and appreciated their cooperation in supporting Pakistan’s housing sector. He said the Land Data Bank would help ensure transparency, improve resource utilization, and attract investment through modern digital systems. He also highlighted the importance of ADB’s technical and financial support in making this project successful.
Secretary Housing, Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, explained that federal land often faces encroachment, which deprives the government of its full value. With the help of GIS-based tools, the Land Data Bank would allow the ministry to assess commercial potential, secure assets, and promote private investment.
The secretary also valued ADB’s input on the upcoming National Housing Policy 2025. He suggested that ADB could act as a technical partner and guarantor in projects involving private sector participation. Areas for collaboration include housing finance structures, subsidy mechanisms, climate-resilient construction, and low-cost housing models.
ADB officials shared observations on policy frameworks and stressed the importance of addressing housing subsidies. They recommended adopting community-driven approaches to urban development, similar to Singapore’s model, to ensure greater social impact.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation. The Land Data Bank project is expected to play a major role in modernizing asset management, reducing encroachments, and supporting sustainable housing development in Pakistan.
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