ISLAMABAD: At a time when the country is facing a shortage of approximately 13 million housing units, Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, has launched the National Housing Policy 2025, marking the country’s first national housing policy update in nearly 25 years on Monday.

A launch ceremony was held at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) where Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally unveiled the policy draft.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Dr Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector Nust and Secretary Housing and Works retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood were the other key speakers in this event.

The event convened senior government representatives, members of academia, development partners and other key stakeholders, reflecting a growing focus on translating policy frameworks into effective implementation.

It is country’s first housing policy update in over two decades

According to a press release issued by the housing ministry, the latest policy reaffirms the national commitment to advancing adequate, affordable and sustainable housing for all.

“It provides an updated national framework to respond to Pakistan’s evolving housing and urban development needs,” the press release said.

The launch coincides with World Habitat Day 2026, observed globally on October 5 under the theme ‘Adequate Housing for All’, the press release said, adding that this year’s observance focuses on expanding access to adequate housing and basic services as a cornerstone of progress towards sustainable development goals and the new urban agenda.

While delivering the keynote address, Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada highlighted the significance of introducing an updated national housing framework after nearly 25 years and the importance of translating the policy into tangible results.

He stated that the National Housing Policy outlined comprehensive objectives, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, enhancing land tenure security, expanding access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.

Mr Pirzada said the National Housing Policy 2025 had been formulated under the direct guidance and supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his dedicated team, whose valuable contribution made the policy possible.

The minister particularly highlighted the Wazir-i-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, Ghar Ho To Apna scheme, a flagship initiative of the prime minister, under which Rs65 billion has so far been disbursed to first-time home buyers across the country.

He said the prime minister himself was closely monitoring the implementation of the programme.

The housing minister emphasised that the scheme was a prominent component of the action plan of the National Housing Policy 2025 aimed at making housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families and enabling more people to realise their dream of owning a home.

The minister further narrated that the National Housing Policy 2025 provided Pakistan with a renewed framework to respond to the housing needs of our people.

He said their priority now was effective implementation, expanding access to adequate and affordable housing, strengthening coordination and creating more sustainable and resilient human settlements across the country.

Speaking on ‘Adequate Housing for All - From Global Commitment to National Action’, Country Programme Manager UN-Habitat Pakistan Waqar Syed emphasised the importance of people-centred approaches to housing and urban development. He said adequate housing was more than a roof over one’s head.

It is a foundation for dignity, opportunity, and resilient communities, and UN-Habitat remains committed to supporting the government in strengthening institutions and advancing housing solutions that leave no one behind.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik highlighted the strong linkages between housing, climate resilience, sustainable urbanisation and national development planning.

He stated that the National Housing Policy 2025 and its action plan address, in a clear and comprehensive manner, the pressing housing challenges faced by the people of Pakistan.

He noted that the policy seeks to help bridge the country’s housing deficit of approximately 13 million units, a gap that continues to widen with every passing day.

The federal minister further highlighted the government’s new housing finance policy, describing it as comparatively more supportive than similar initiatives in neighbouring countries.

He emphasised that the policy provides up to 90 per cent financing/equity support for home ownership, significantly improving access to housing for aspiring homeowners, particularly those from low- and middle-income groups.

Closing the event, Housing Secretary retired Captain Mohammad Mehmood Rai emphasised implementation and sustained institutional coordination and multi-stakeholder collaboration as the policy moves into implementation.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026