PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works on Monday formally launched the National Housing Policy 2025, prepared after a gap of 24 years through consultations with relevant stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and climate-resilient housing development.
The policy was launched at an event held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, in collaboration with UN-Habitat to mark World Habitat Day. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada was the chief guest, while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik attended as the guest of honour.
Speaking at the event, Dr Musadik Masood Malik said Pakistan’s housing needs must be addressed in the context of rapid population growth, urban expansion and the increasing impacts of climate change.
He stressed that housing policy could no longer be viewed merely in terms of constructing additional units, but must form part of a broader approach to sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.
Dr Malik said the National Housing Policy 2025 provides a comprehensive framework for planning to provide housing to homeless and low-income segments of society. He called for concerted efforts by the government, private sector and relevant institutions to mobilise available resources and expertise for effective implementation of the policy.
The minister underscored the need to incorporate energy efficiency, efficient use of resources, environmentally sustainable construction practices and climate-resilient infrastructure into future housing schemes.
He said the country’s future urban development must address present housing needs while also ensuring a safe, sustainable and liveable environment for future generations.
Dr Malik said the policy was aligned with the government’s broader vision of improving quality of life and ensuring access to adequate and dignified housing. He emphasised that its successful implementation would require close coordination among federal and provincial governments, the private sector, financial institutions, experts and other stakeholders.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said the National Housing Policy 2025 reflected the Prime Minister’s vision and represented an important step towards addressing the challenges facing the housing sector.
He said the country’s housing challenges could only be addressed through a coordinated action plan and collective efforts by all relevant institutions and stakeholders.
Mr Pirzada also acknowledged the contribution of experts, researchers, government institutions, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders involved in preparing the policy.
Academics, researchers, representatives of the housing sector and other stakeholders attended the event.
