Islamabad, May 14, 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting on reforms in Pakistan’s housing sector, emphasizing that reforms in the sector have become an urgent necessity in view of the country’s rapidly growing population. The Prime Minister stated that providing housing facilities for low-income groups, promoting affordable housing schemes, encouraging private sector participation, and improving public amenities remain among the government’s top priorities. He observed that increasing population growth and unplanned urban expansion are putting immense pressure on agricultural land, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to address the issue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said that all matters related to the housing sector would be digitized and automated in order to enhance transparency and efficiency. He stressed that bringing the housing sector under a proper regulatory framework is essential to attract overseas investors and ensure sustainable growth. During the meeting, detailed proposals regarding reforms in the housing sector were presented to the Prime Minister. The meeting was briefed that the regulatory framework would be simplified to facilitate credible investors and developers and promote transparency in the sector. It was also proposed that registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan should be made mandatory for all entities operating in the housing and development sector.
Participants were informed that a strategy would also be formulated to prevent unplanned urban sprawl, while vertical expansion and the construction of high-rise buildings in major cities would be encouraged. A proposal for comprehensive master town planning for large urban centers was also discussed. The briefing further highlighted the need for establishing a one-window system to safeguard the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders involved in the housing sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to hold consultations with the provinces on the proposed reforms and recommendations. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman NAB Lieutenant General (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed Butt, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, and senior government officials.