Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently chaired a high-level meeting focused on advancing Pakistan’s housing sector by promoting investment, expanding affordable housing, and generating employment opportunities. He stressed that housing is a fundamental right for every citizen and highlighted the government’s priority of providing easy loans on simplified terms. Authorities were directed to remove obstacles for investors and ensure protection for both foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis investing in the housing sector.
During the meeting, officials presented proposals from a task force aimed at boosting construction activity. These included reforms to expand mortgage financing, introduce developer-led financing models, and strengthen the overall mortgage ecosystem. A low-cost housing finance system has already been implemented, with plans to assign specific targets to banks in the next phase to ensure broader access.
The discussion also covered ongoing legal reforms in the housing and construction sector, which are nearing completion. Efforts to improve coordination between federal and provincial governments, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, were also reviewed. These steps are part of a larger policy drive to revive Pakistan’s housing sector, which has historically faced structural challenges such as limited access to financing and an estimated shortage of around 10 million housing units.
In recent weeks, the government has accelerated reforms including plans to establish a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), standardize construction-related taxes, and expand public-private partnerships to increase housing supply. The State Bank of Pakistan has revised its affordable housing finance scheme, reducing markup rates to 5 percent and raising loan limits up to Rs10 million to benefit middle- and low-income groups.
Officials emphasize that these combined measures are intended to stimulate construction activity, attract investment, and create jobs, as the housing sector continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth and employment in the country. By focusing on accessible housing and investor-friendly reforms, the government aims to transform Pakistan’s housing landscape and address the long-standing housing shortage.
