Govt launches National Housing Policy 2025

October 06, 2026 (MLN): The Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, has launched the National Housing Policy 2025, the country's first national housing policy update in nearly 25 years, setting out a renewed framework for adequate, affordable and sustainable housing.

Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally unveiled the policy draft at a launch ceremony held on Monday at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, said a press release issued.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik was the guest of honor.

NUST Pro-Rector Dr Osman Hasan and Housing and Works Secretary Capt (R) Muhammad Mehmood were also among the key speakers.

The event brought together senior government officials, academics and development partners, and coincided with World Habitat Day 2026, under the theme "Adequate Housing for All".

Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said the updated framework was long overdue and stressed that the focus must now shift to turning the policy into tangible results.

He said it sets out comprehensive objectives, including raising the supply of affordable housing, strengthening land tenure security, widening access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.

He added that the policy was prepared under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The minister pointed to the Prime Minister's flagship Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program (Ghar Ho To Apna scheme), under which Rs65bn has so far been disbursed to first-time homebuyers.

He said the Prime Minister is personally monitoring its progress and that the scheme is a prominent part of the policy's action plan, aimed at making housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families.

He said the government's priorities now include effective implementation, better coordination and the creation of more sustainable and resilient settlements.

Dr Musadik Malik said the policy and its action plan address the country's pressing housing challenges in a clear and comprehensive manner, and seek to help bridge a housing deficit of about 13mn units that continues to widen.

He linked housing with climate resilience, sustainable urbanization and national development planning. He described the government's new housing finance policy as more supportive than comparable initiatives in neighboring countries, saying it offers up to 90pc financing or equity support for home ownership, which improves access for low- and middle-income groups.

UN-Habitat Pakistan Country Programme Manager Waqar Syed called for people-centered approaches to housing and urban development, saying adequate housing is more than a roof and forms the foundation of dignity, opportunity and resilient communities. He said UN-Habitat will keep supporting the government in strengthening institutions and advancing housing solutions that leave no one behind.

Closing the event, Housing and Works Secretary Capt (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai said sustained institutional coordination and collaboration among stakeholders would be essential as the policy moves into implementation.

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