Islamabad: A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Thursday to explore areas of collaboration, with particular focus on the establishment of a Land Data Bank and new initiatives in the housing sector.
The minister said the government is committed to ensuring transparency and efficient management of federal assets, noting that the proposed Land Data Bank will play a key role in achieving this objective. The system will compile comprehensive data on federal landholdings, especially prime properties, and provide GIS-based tools to help address encroachment, evaluate commercial value, and attract private investment.
Secretary Housing Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh briefed the delegation on the project, explaining that accurate and accessible data will not only optimize land use but also open new opportunities for public–private partnerships. He suggested that ADB could support the initiative as a technical partner and guarantor, particularly for private sector–driven projects.
The meeting also covered broader cooperation in housing, including subsidy mechanisms, mortgage facilities, green housing, urban regeneration, and the development of low-cost housing models. Sheikh said these initiatives would help meet the growing demand for affordable homes while promoting sustainable urban development.
The ADB delegation welcomed the proposals and recommended reforms in the housing subsidy framework. They also presented community-based models for urban infrastructure, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s experience to enhance welfare and public participation.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in sustainable housing development, asset management, and urban infrastructure to create more resilient and investment-friendly cities in Pakistan.
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