Islamabad: The federal cabinet has approved the National Housing Policy 2026 along with an action plan for its implementation, directing authorities to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, promote vertical construction and incorporate energy-efficiency standards into new housing projects.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The policy aims to promote safe, quality and sustainable housing while improving the use of available land.
The cabinet was informed that the policy had been prepared by a working group comprising national and international experts, with federal ministries, provincial governments and development partners consulted during the process.
Under the policy, housing developments will be required to comply with zoning laws, while vertical construction will be prioritised where appropriate to promote more efficient use of land. The cabinet also directed that energy-efficiency codes be made an integral part of the policy, ensuring that new construction incorporates energy-efficient and environmentally friendly standards.
The cabinet also reviewed progress on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Apna Ghar housing scheme.
The meeting was informed that banks had approved housing loans worth PKR 220 billion for applicants seeking to purchase or construct homes under the scheme. More than PKR 32 billion of the approved financing had already been disbursed to successful applicants.
The latest figures represent an increase from the PKR 204 billion in approved housing finance and PKR 27 billion in disbursements reported at a review meeting in late July.
The government’s Apna Ghar programme provides financing for the purchase or construction of eligible housing units, with participating commercial and Islamic banks, microfinance banks and the House Building Finance Company Limited offering financing under the scheme.
The approval of the National Housing Policy 2026 comes as the government seeks to address housing needs while encouraging more efficient land use and greater adoption of sustainable construction practices.
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