ISLAMABAD – For nearly 25 years, Pakistan had been without national housing policy, and that long wait is over as federal cabinet approved the National Housing Policy 2026, putting affordable and sustainable housing, basic facilities and better urban planning at the centre of a new national framework.
The country’s previous National Housing Policy was approved in 2001, meaning Pakistan has gone roughly 25 years without an updated national housing policy. The newly approved policy places affordable, adequate and sustainable housing at the centre of its vision, while seeking to improve citizens’ access to residential opportunities, basic amenities and supporting infrastructure.
National Housing Policy 2026 incorporates nine clearly defined thematic areas covering major aspects of housing and urban development.
The government says the policy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing Pakistan’s growing housing requirements while tackling the multiple challenges confronting rapidly expanding urban areas. A major focus is on expanding affordable and sustainable housing opportunities, alongside ensuring that residential developments are supported by essential infrastructure and basic public facilities.
The policy also provides a broader strategic direction for coordinating different aspects of housing and urban development rather than treating them as isolated issues.
Federal Minister for Housing Riaz Hussain Pirzada described the cabinet’s approval as an important milestone and congratulated the Ministry’s Policy and Planning Wing for preparing the policy document. According to the minister, all relevant stakeholders were consulted during the policy formulation process, with their recommendations and views incorporated into the document.
The housing minister said Pakistan remained without comprehensive housing policy for approximately 25 years, creating the need for a fresh framework capable of responding to changing housing and urban realities.
He said the new policy would provide a clear direction for tackling the housing shortage and urban challenges facing the country.
The minister expressed hope that the National Housing Policy 2026 would pave the way for affordable, sustainable and better-planned residential development across Pakistan, potentially reshaping the country’s approach to one of its long-standing urban challenges.
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