Pakistan strives to solve housing crunch with UN-Habitat backing

February 11, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and UN-Habitat have pledged to deepen cooperation to tackle the country’s growing housing crisis and promote sustainable, climate-resilient urban development.

The commitment comes as the government moves forward with the National Housing Policy, 2025, emphasizing effective implementation, green building standards, and incentive-based frameworks to accelerate housing and urban development.

UN-Habitat reiterated its support for technical assistance, policy guidance, and resource mobilization to advance affordable and sustainable housing initiatives in Pakistan, according to a press release issued.

The discussions took place during a meeting between the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UN-Habitat, Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, and the Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, at the Ministry of Housing & Works in Islamabad.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Ministry of Housing & Works, Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Mehmood; Additional Secretary Housing; Deputy Director General (Planning & Policy Wing); and Mr. Jawad Ali Khan, Senior Advisor, UN-Habitat.

During the meeting, Minister Pirzada highlighted the government’s commitment to comprehensive policy reforms and targeted housing initiatives, particularly in post-flood recovery efforts, while Ms. Ishigaki emphasized the need for strategic planning, regulatory reforms, and the implementation of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

She also extended an invitation to the Federal Minister to attend the upcoming UN World Urban Forum in May 2026 in Azerbaijan.

Both sides agreed to continue close collaboration to promote sustainable urbanization and improve housing outcomes across Pakistan.

Copyright Mettis Link News