Islamabad: The Ministry of Housing and Works, in partnership with UN-Habitat Pakistan, introduced the National Housing Policy 2025, marking the country’s first comprehensive update to its national housing policy in nearly a quarter-century. The unveiling took place at a ceremony held at the National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, where Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada presented the policy draft. The event featured Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik as the Guest of Honor, along with other key speakers, including Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector NUST, and Secretary House and Works Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood.
According to Press Information Department, the event brought together senior government officials, academics, development partners, and other stakeholders, underscoring the emphasis on converting policy frameworks into actionable plans. The new policy reiterates a national commitment to promoting adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing for all, offering an updated framework to address Pakistan’s housing and urban development needs.
Coinciding with World Habitat Day 2026, observed globally on October 5, the policy launch aligns with this year’s theme, “Adequate Housing for All,” emphasizing the critical role of adequate housing and basic services in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
In his keynote speech, Chief Guest Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada emphasized the importance of the updated housing framework after 25 years, noting its comprehensive objectives, such as increasing affordable housing supply, improving land tenure security, expanding housing finance access, and upgrading informal settlements. He highlighted the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program as a key initiative, with Rs. 65 billion disbursed to first-time homebuyers, overseen directly by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Masood Malik discussed the policy’s role in addressing Pakistan’s housing challenges, targeting a housing deficit of approximately 13 million units. He underscored the policy’s supportive housing finance measures, offering up to 90% financing/equity support to enhance accessibility for low- and middle-income groups.
The ceremony concluded with Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, stressing the importance of implementation, institutional coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders as the policy moves forward.