ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works on Monday, October 5, 2026, launched the National Housing Policy 2025, marking Pakistan’s first national housing policy update in nearly 25 years.
The policy was formally unveiled at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad during a ceremony held in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada launched the policy draft, while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik attended as guest of honour.
The new framework is intended to address Pakistan’s changing housing and urban development needs, with a focus on affordable housing, land tenure security, access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.
The launch coincided with World Habitat Day 2026, observed on October 5 under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.”
Pirzada said the policy sets out a broad national framework aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving security of tenure, expanding access to housing finance and upgrading underserved settlements.
He said the policy had been prepared under the guidance and supervision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and described implementation as the next major priority.
The minister also highlighted the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program, Ghar Ho To Apna scheme, saying Rs65 billion had so far been disbursed to first-time homebuyers across the country.
He said the scheme forms an important part of the National Housing Policy 2025 action plan and is intended to make housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families.
Pirzada said the government’s focus would now be on implementation, better coordination and expanding access to adequate, affordable and sustainable housing.
He also referred to the policy as a renewed framework for responding to Pakistan’s housing needs and strengthening sustainable and resilient human settlements.
Speaking at the event, UN-Habitat Pakistan Country Programme Manager Waqar Syed said adequate housing should be viewed as more than physical shelter, describing it as a foundation for dignity, opportunity and resilient communities.
He said UN-Habitat would continue supporting the government in strengthening institutions and advancing housing solutions.
Dr Musadik Malik said the policy also addresses the links between housing, climate resilience, sustainable urbanisation and national development planning.
He said Pakistan faces an estimated housing shortfall of around 13 million units and noted that the gap continues to widen.
Malik also highlighted the government’s new housing finance policy, saying it provides up to 90% financing or equity support for home ownership and is aimed particularly at low- and middle-income households.
The event brought together senior government officials, academics, development partners and other stakeholders as the government moves from policy formulation toward implementation.
Federal Secretary for Housing and Works Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai, who closed the event, stressed the need for sustained institutional coordination and multi-stakeholder cooperation during the implementation phase.