ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday launched its first updated national housing policy in nearly 25 years, with the government setting out a renewed framework to expand affordable and sustainable housing and address the country’s growing urban and housing challenges.
The National Housing Policy 2025 was formally unveiled by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at a ceremony held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan.
The Ministry of Housing & Works has launched the National Housing Policy 2025 at NUST Islamabad.
From policy to possibility — building a future where every family can aspire to a home. 🇵🇰#nationalhousingpolicy2025 #WorldHabitatDay2026 #HousingForAll@UNHABITAT pic.twitter.com/yaR1qQvKtj
— Ministry of Housing & Works (@HousingnWorks) October 5, 2026
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik attended the ceremony as Guest of Honour, while NUST Pro-Rector Dr Osman Hasan and Federal Secretary Housing and Works Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood were among the key speakers.
Policy targets affordable housing and better finance
The updated policy reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to providing adequate, affordable and sustainable housing for all, while establishing a national framework aligned with the country’s evolving housing and urban development requirements.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said the policy sets out comprehensive objectives, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, strengthening land tenure security, improving access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.
نیشنل ہاؤسنگ پالیسی 2026 وزیراعظم کے وژن کی عکاس ہے، ریاض حسین پیرزادہ#NationalHousingPolicy2026 #PMVision #GovernmentPolicy #HousingDevelopment pic.twitter.com/mN13FFqDXT
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) October 5, 2026
He stressed that the key challenge now was to translate the policy framework into tangible results through effective implementation, stronger institutional coordination and wider access to housing opportunities.
The minister said the policy had been formulated under the guidance and supervision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging the contribution of the prime minister and his team to the process.
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Rs65 billion disbursed under apna ghar programme
Highlighting the government’s housing initiatives, Pirzada said Rs65 billion had so far been disbursed to first-time homebuyers across the country under the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, Ghar Ho To Apna scheme.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring implementation of the flagship initiative, which forms a key component of the action plan associated with the National Housing Policy.
According to the minister, the scheme aims to make housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families, enabling more citizens to own homes.
The minister also stressed the need to strengthen implementation mechanisms, improve coordination among relevant institutions and develop more sustainable and resilient human settlements across Pakistan.
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Speaking on “Adequate Housing for All – From Global Commitment to National Action,” UN-Habitat Pakistan Country Programme Manager Waqar Syed said adequate housing was more than simply having a roof over one’s head, describing it as a foundation for dignity, opportunity and resilient communities.
He said UN-Habitat remained committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan in strengthening institutions and developing housing solutions that leave no one behind.
Federal Secretary Housing and Works Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood, in his concluding remarks, underscored the importance of sustained institutional coordination and collaboration among government, academia, development partners and other stakeholders as the policy moves towards implementation.
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The launch coincided with World Habitat Day 2026, observed globally on October 5 under the theme “Adequate Housing for All,” highlighting the importance of housing and basic services in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
