Pakistan rolls out National Housing Policy 2025, targets affordable homes

The Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, has launched the National Housing Policy 2025,

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, has launched the National Housing Policy 2025, marking the country’s first major update to its national housing framework in nearly 25 years.

The policy was formally unveiled on Monday, October 5, 2026, during a ceremony held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally presented the policy draft at the event, which brought together senior government officials, academics, development partners and other stakeholders.

The launch coincided with World Habitat Day 2026, observed globally on October 5 under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” The international observance focuses on improving access to adequate housing and essential services as part of global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and implement the New Urban Agenda.

The National Housing Policy 2025 aims to provide Pakistan with an updated framework to address the country’s changing housing and urban development requirements. It focuses on expanding the availability of affordable housing, improving security of land tenure, increasing access to housing finance, promoting rental housing and upgrading informal settlements.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada stressed the importance of introducing a comprehensive national housing framework after nearly two and a half decades.

He said the policy provides a broad set of objectives aimed at addressing the housing needs of the population while improving governance and strengthening institutions. According to the minister, effective implementation will now be critical to ensuring that the policy translates into practical benefits for citizens.

“The National Housing Policy 2025 provides Pakistan with a renewed framework to respond to the housing needs of our people,” the minister said, adding that the government’s priority would be effective implementation, improved coordination and greater access to adequate and affordable housing.

He also highlighted the need to develop more sustainable and resilient human settlements across the country.

Speaking on the theme “Adequate Housing for All – From Global Commitment to National Action,” UN-Habitat Pakistan Country Programme Manager Waqar Syed said housing should not be viewed merely as a physical structure.

He said adequate housing provides a foundation for dignity, opportunity and resilient communities. He reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in strengthening institutions and developing housing solutions that ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind.

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

He said the new policy could help address Pakistan’s growing housing shortage while strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable urban development. He also pointed to enhanced housing finance support, including financing of up to 90 percent for home ownership, as an important step toward making housing more accessible to low- and middle-income families.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai, who stressed the importance of continued institutional coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders as the policy enters its implementation phase.

The launch marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to develop a more comprehensive and sustainable national housing strategy after nearly 25 years.