Pakistan launches housing policy for affordable, sustainable homes
Islamabad, Oct 5: Pakistan on Monday unveiled a national housing policy aimed at expanding access to adequate, affordable and sustainable housing and promoting resilient and inclusive urban development.
The Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, launched the National Housing Policy 2025 at a ceremony held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust), marking the first major update to the country’s national housing policy in nearly 25 years.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally unveiled the policy draft. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Nust Pro-Rector Dr Osman Hasan and Secretary Housing and Works Capt (retd) Muhammad Mehmood also attended the event as speakers.
The launch coincided with World Habitat Day, observed globally on Oct 5 this year under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”. The observance focuses on expanding access to adequate housing and basic services as a key element of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Pirzada said the policy set out a range of objectives, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, strengthening land-tenure security, expanding access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.
He highlighted the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, also known as the Ghar Ho To Apna scheme, under which Rs65 billion had so far been disbursed to first-time homebuyers across the country.
The minister said the prime minister was closely monitoring the implementation of the programme, which formed a key component of the action plan under the housing policy. The initiative seeks to make housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families.
Mr Pirzada said the policy provided a renewed framework for addressing the country’s housing needs, adding that the government’s priority was now to ensure effective implementation, improve access to adequate and affordable housing, strengthen institutional coordination and promote more sustainable and resilient human settlements.
Speaking on “Adequate Housing for All — From Global Commitment to National Action”, UN-Habitat Pakistan Country Programme Manager Waqar Syed stressed the need for people-centred approaches to housing and urban development.
He said adequate housing went beyond providing shelter and was linked to dignity, opportunity and resilient communities. UN-Habitat, he added, remained committed to supporting the government in strengthening institutions and advancing housing solutions that left no one behind.
