Housing ministry, UN-Habitat discuss national urban forum

Islamabad – The Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan, and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on Pakistan’s housing and urban development agenda, with discussions focusing on advancing the proposed National Urban Forum as a platform for stronger coordination, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based urban policymaking.

The engagement brought together Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood Rai, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, and Ms. Odicea Angelo Barrios, Human Settlements Officer, UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), alongside officials from the Ministry and UN-Habitat Pakistan.

A key focus was the potential role of the National Urban Forum in bringing together stakeholders to examine the realities and emerging challenges facing Pakistan’s cities and settlements and identify coordinated policy responses. The two sides also discussed strengthening urban research, data and policy analysis to support informed decision-making and implementation.

“The National Urban Forum can provide an important platform to bring stakeholders together, strengthen coordination and support evidence-based responses to Pakistan’s housing and urban development challenges. We look forward to working with UN-Habitat to translate these priorities into practical action,” said Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood Rai, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the National Housing Policy, with emphasis on moving from policy formulation to implementation. The Ministry shared progress on its strategic roadmap and action plan, while UN-Habitat expressed readiness to provide technical support for implementation and dissemination.

Adequate and affordable housing was another key area of discussion, particularly the housing and basic service needs of low-income communities and people living in underserved and informal settlements. Opportunities for institutional capacity development, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange were also explored.

“Housing is more than a roof over one’s head.  It provides the foundation for people to live with dignity, communities to thrive, and cities to become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Our partnership with Pakistan is focused on translating housing priorities into practical solutions that expand access to adequate, affordable and climate-resilient housing, while responding to the evolving needs and aspirations of communities,” said Ms. Odicea Angelo Barrios, Human Settlements Officer, ROAP, UN-Habitat.

The Ministry and UN-Habitat also discussed opportunities to strengthen institutional capacity through technical expertise, capacity development and knowledge exchange, including exposure to regional and international good practices. These efforts can contribute to stronger evidence-based planning and more effective implementation of Pakistan’s housing and urban development priorities.

The engagement reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Housing and Works and UN-Habitat to strengthening institutional cooperation and translating policy priorities into practical action towards adequate housing for all and inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements in Pakistan.