Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to accelerate reforms in Pakistan’s housing sector, with officials proposing mandatory registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for all housing and development entities.
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review housing sector reforms and address challenges arising from rapid urbanisation and unplanned expansion.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif stressed the need for a long-term and comprehensive strategy to improve urban planning, promote affordable housing, and strengthen governance in the real estate sector.
“The provision of affordable housing for low-income groups, promotion of low-cost housing schemes, encouragement of private sector participation, and improvement of public amenities are among the government’s top priorities,” the statement said.
Officials briefed the meeting on a range of reform proposals aimed at increasing transparency and easing regulatory procedures for credible investors and developers.
The proposed measures included mandatory SECP registration for all housing sector entities, digitisation and automation of housing-related processes, and the introduction of a one-window system to protect the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders.
The meeting was also informed about plans to curb unplanned urban sprawl through vertical expansion and the construction of high-rise buildings in major cities to optimise land use and reduce pressure on agricultural land.
Proposals for master town planning in large urban centres were also reviewed as part of the government’s broader effort to improve investor confidence and ensure sustainable urban development.
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