Islamabad: The federal government has drafted a new tax-free real estate investment package aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country. The initiative is designed to simplify property investment processes, remove obstacles, and provide a secure, investor-friendly environment for non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs).
According to officials, the package has been submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approval, as part of ongoing discussions between Pakistan and the Fund. The plan seeks to make real estate investment transparent, tax-exempt, and attractive to foreign capital in dollars.
Key measures outlined in the proposal include the creation of special investment zones to promote construction and urban development, the introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and the use of escrow accounts to safeguard transactions and minimize fraud.
Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Works noted that the package also offers incentives for NRPs to invest specifically in the construction and development sector. Sources added that the government may officially launch the scheme next month, with initial benefits primarily targeting tax-filers, while non-filers are not expected to receive major relief.
The plan comes amid rising tensions in Gulf countries due to the Iran war, with authorities hoping to channel investment flows safely into Pakistan’s real estate sector. Meanwhile, discussions on a $1.2 billion IMF tranche continue, with the Fund having shared a draft Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) with Pakistan to facilitate the release of funds.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
