Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has recommended the establishment of a Federal Government Real Estate Management Authority to oversee the management of federal real estate assets. The committee emphasized the need for prudent utilization of government properties to generate optimal economic benefits. The proposal, discussed in a meeting chaired by Malik Ibrar Ahmad at Parliament House, was unanimously recommended for legislative approval without amendments.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the meeting highlighted the challenges faced by government properties, such as encroachment and underutilization, which hinder their economic potential. Malik Ibrar Ahmad, the committee chairman, expressed concern over the encroachment of various government properties, citing his experiences with railway land. Despite the increase in land value due to urban expansion, government entities have struggled to manage these assets effectively, prompting support for the proposed authority.
The Secretary of the Cabinet Division informed the committee about the vast tracts of government-owned urban and rural properties across the country. Despite directives, these properties are not being utilized economically and suffer from issues such as encroachments and illegal occupation. The Secretary emphasized the need for a specialized body to manage these assets, proposing the creation of the Federal Government Real Estate Management Authority, which would be tasked with owning, managing, or leasing federal properties.
In addition to discussing real estate management, the committee reviewed and recommended amendments to other legislative bills. The “Archival Material (Preservation and Export Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026” was proposed with an amendment transferring certain decision-making powers to the Prime Minister. The committee also endorsed the Abandoned Properties (Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, without changes for assembly passage.
The Secretary further explained that these legislative amendments aim to streamline governance and enhance administrative efficiency, aligning with the Federal Cabinet’s strategic priorities. This initiative follows a Supreme Court judgment necessitating a review and rationalization of relevant laws. The meeting was attended by several Members of the National Assembly, including Tahira Aurangzeb, Farah Naz Akbar, and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, among others.