ISLAMABAD, Sept 2: Federal Minister Syed Safwanullah says the government will encourage public-private partnership in the field of housing and construction industry as this is essential for the development of this important sector.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a conference on "Maximising employment opportunities in Pakistan in respect of housing and construction industries" organised by the Pakistan Engineering Council here on Thursday.

Dr Akram Sheikh, the PEC chairman, welcomed the delegates, speakers and others. Engineer Riaz Ahmed Khan, PEC vice chairman, Engineer A. R. Mashud and Mahmoodul Muzaffar were also present on the occasion.

The minister said a revolutionary step in the field of housing and construction industry was need of the hour for which Pakistan Engineering Council and other experts in the field should play their role with sincerity and devotion.

In this connection workable proposals would be welcomed, he added. He assured that the proposals based on low-cost construction and speedy work would be encouraged as the government was sincerely working for the development of the housing sector.

"Our main objective is to provide housing units to the lower middle class people for which the government will provide all possible assistance to the private sector," he said.

Mr Safwanullah asked the engineers to prepare result-oriented policies because millions of people in the country were shelterless, while providing shelter to them was the duty of the government and the present government would fulfil its duty.