Islamabad: In a significant move, the Ministry of Housing and Construction has announced plans to update Pakistan’s National Housing Policy, the first such revision since 2001. The new policy, targeted for 2025, aims to address the country’s acute housing needs and urban development challenges with assistance from international partners like the World Bank and the United Nations.

According to Zameen.Com, the Ministry has already drafted the terms of reference (TORs) and reached out to the World Bank for support in engaging a consulting firm to guide the policy’s formulation. This collaborative approach highlights the government’s commitment to integrating global expertise in tackling domestic issues. A meeting with the World Bank is expected soon to discuss the specifics of this partnership.

The decision to revamp the national housing policy comes in response to the urgent need for sustainable development within the housing sector. Pakistan faces a severe housing crisis, particularly in urban areas and regions like Balochistan, which was heavily impacted by the floods in 2022, resulting in significant damage to nearly 192,000 homes.

The forthcoming policy aims to reduce the housing deficit, provide affordable housing across Pakistan’s cities, and address the prevalence of informal settlements, which constitute 47% of the country’s housing situations. Moreover, the policy is designed to stimulate the housing sector’s growth, creating job opportunities and bolstering economic development nationwide.