Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said providing affordable housing to low-income citizens remains a key government priority as Pakistan faces rising urban expansion and mounting housing shortages.

Chairing a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms, the prime minister stated that rapid population growth has made structural reforms in the housing industry an urgent national requirement. He emphasized that expanding access to low-cost housing, encouraging private sector participation, and improving public facilities are central to the government’s policy agenda.

The premier noted that uncontrolled urban sprawl is increasing pressure on agricultural land, stressing the need for a comprehensive planning strategy to manage future city growth.

During the meeting, he directed authorities to digitize and automate housing-related processes to enhance transparency and reduce inefficiencies. He also stressed that bringing the housing sector under a stronger regulatory framework would help attract overseas investors.

Officials presented multiple reform proposals aimed at improving transparency, including simplifying regulations to facilitate credible investors and developers. One proposal suggested making registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan mandatory for entities operating in the housing and development sector.

The briefing also proposed measures to control unplanned urban expansion by promoting vertical construction in major cities and introducing comprehensive master town planning systems.

A “one-window” operation was also discussed to safeguard the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders while streamlining approvals and documentation processes.

The prime minister instructed authorities to consult provincial governments before finalizing the reform framework.

The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, advisers, and top government officials overseeing economic affairs, housing, law, and interior governance.