Islamabad: A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reviewed a wide-ranging reform agenda for Pakistan’s housing and real estate sector aimed at improving regulation, transparency, and urban planning.
According to an official statement, one of the key proposals under consideration is making registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) mandatory for companies operating in the housing and development sector. The move is intended to strengthen oversight and improve accountability in real estate activities.
The meeting was briefed that a formal regulatory framework is being developed to support credible investors and developers while enhancing transparency across the housing sector. Officials also proposed introducing a strategy to curb unplanned urban expansion and encourage vertical development, including high-rise construction in major cities.
Participants further discussed the need for master town planning in major urban centres to address rapid population growth and increasing pressure on agricultural land due to unchecked urban sprawl.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for establishing a one-window system to safeguard the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders, while improving ease of doing business in the sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said housing sector reforms were essential in view of population growth and rising demand for housing. He said providing affordable housing for low-income groups and improving public facilities remained key government priorities.
He also stressed the need for digitisation and automation in the real estate sector to enhance transparency and reduce irregularities. The prime minister added that bringing the sector under a proper regulatory framework would help attract overseas investment.
The prime minister directed authorities to consult with provincial governments on the proposed reforms.
The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, including Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other senior officials.
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