UN-Habitat briefs development partners on Pakistan’s National Housing Policy 2025

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has briefed United Nations agencies, international financial institutions

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has briefed United Nations agencies, international financial institutions and development partners on Pakistan’s National Housing Policy 2025, highlighting opportunities for cooperation to promote affordable, inclusive and climate-resilient housing across the country.

The briefing was held on October 21, 2026, during a meeting of the UN and Development Partners Group convened by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. The session focused on the policy’s major objectives, implementation framework and potential areas of collaboration among national and international stakeholders.

Developed under the leadership of Pakistan’s Ministry of Housing and Works, the National Housing Policy 2025 marks the first major revision of the country’s national housing framework in nearly 25 years. It aims to address persistent housing challenges, respond to rapid urbanisation and support sustainable development in cities and human settlements.

During the meeting, Hamid Mumtaz, Deputy Programme Manager at UN-Habitat Pakistan, presented the policy’s vision, strategic priorities and implementation plans. He highlighted Pakistan’s growing housing deficit, limited access to essential services and the increasing vulnerability of communities to floods, earthquakes and other climate-related hazards.

The briefing also emphasised the housing needs of low-income families and underserved communities, stressing the importance of ensuring that adequate housing is accessible to people from different economic backgrounds.

The policy outlines five major priorities across nine themes, including affordable and inclusive housing, sustainable land use and urban development, improved access to housing finance, climate and disaster resilience, and stronger construction standards and institutional capacities.

These priorities are intended to improve living conditions, strengthen social inclusion and support the development of safer, more sustainable and resilient communities.

Focus on inclusive and sustainable urban development

A key aspect of the policy is its people-centred approach to urban planning. It promotes compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods and stronger connections between housing, infrastructure and basic public services.

The framework also supports participatory settlement upgrading and urban regeneration to improve existing residential areas and create better living environments.

According to the briefing, adequate housing involves more than providing shelter. It also requires access to essential services, livelihood opportunities and the facilities people need to lead secure and productive lives.

Climate-responsive planning and risk-informed development were also identified as important elements of the policy. These approaches aim to reduce communities’ exposure to natural disasters and strengthen the resilience of housing and urban infrastructure.

Participants further discussed the need for coordinated implementation across federal, provincial and local governments to ensure that national priorities translate into effective action on the ground.

Development partners explore collaboration opportunities

The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to discuss potential technical and financial cooperation in support of the policy’s implementation.

Key areas included strengthening provincial institutions, mobilising housing finance, improving housing data systems and supporting climate-resilient housing solutions.

Participants highlighted the importance of partnerships in converting policy objectives into practical measures that address communities’ needs and improve access to adequate housing.

UN-Habitat reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Pakistan in implementing the National Housing Policy 2025. The organisation said its support aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities, as well as the New Urban Agenda.

The initiative aims to advance adequate housing for all while ensuring that vulnerable communities are included in the country’s urban development efforts.