Islamabad, May 14,2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting on reforms in Pakistan’s housing sector, stressing the need for transparent, regulated, and sustainable urban development in view of the country’s rapidly growing population.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said reforms in the housing sector had become an urgent necessity, particularly to ensure affordable housing for low-income groups and to encourage greater participation of the private sector in housing schemes.
He said the government’s priorities include improving public facilities, promoting affordable housing initiatives, and addressing the increasing pressure on agricultural land caused by unplanned urban expansion.
“The growing population and unchecked urban sprawl are putting pressure on agricultural land, which requires a comprehensive and effective strategy,” the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed that all matters related to the housing sector be digitized and automated in order to enhance transparency and improve governance.
He further emphasized the importance of bringing the housing sector under a proper regulatory framework to attract overseas Pakistani investors and ensure investor confidence.
During the meeting, officials presented a series of reform proposals for the housing and development sector. The briefing highlighted plans to establish a regulatory framework aimed at facilitating credible investors and developers while ensuring transparency in housing projects.
The meeting was informed that registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan would be made mandatory for all entities operating in the housing and development sector.
Officials also proposed measures to curb unplanned urban expansion, including promoting high-rise buildings and vertical development in major cities. The formulation of master town planning strategies for large urban centers was also discussed.
The meeting further recommended establishing a one-window system to safeguard the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders involved in housing projects.
The prime minister directed authorities to hold consultations with provincial governments on the proposed reforms and policy measures.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman National Accountability Bureau Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, and senior government officials.
