ISLAMABAD, Oct 05 (DNA): Ministry of Housing and Works, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, has launched the National Housing Policy 2025, marking the country’s first national housing policy update in nearly 25 years.

A launch ceremony was held today at the National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, where Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally unveiled the policy draft.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik was the Guest of Honor at the ceremony. Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector NUST and Secretary House and Works Capt. (R) Muhammad Mehmood were the other key speakers in this event.

The event convened senior government representatives, members of academia, development partners, and other key stakeholders, reflecting a growing focus on translating policy frameworks into effective implementation.

The latest policy reaffirms the national commitment to advancing adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing for all. It provides an updated national framework to respond to Pakistan’s evolving housing and urban development needs.

The launch coincides with World Habitat Day 2026, observed globally on 5 October under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” This year’s observance focuses on expanding access to adequate housing and basic services as a cornerstone of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.

While delivering the keynote address, the Chief Guest, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Housing and Works, highlighted the significance of introducing an updated national housing framework after nearly 25 years and the importance of translating the policy into tangible results.

He stated that the National Housing Policy outlines comprehensive objectives, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, enhancing land tenure security, expanding access to housing finance and upgrading informal settlements.

The Federal Minister said that the National Housing Policy 2025 has been formulated under the direct guidance and supervision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his dedicated team, whose valuable contribution made the policy possible.

The Minister particularly highlighted the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program, Ghar Ho To Apna scheme, a flagship initiative of the Prime Minister, under which Rs. 65 billion has so far been disbursed to first-time homebuyers across the country. He said that the Prime Minister himself is closely monitoring the implementation of the program.

The Minister emphasized that the scheme is a prominent component of the action plan of the National Housing Policy 2025, aimed at making housing finance more accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income families and enabling more people to realize their dream of owning a home.

The Minister further narrated that the National Housing Policy 2026 provides Pakistan with a renewed framework to respond to the housing needs of our people. He said that their priority now is effective implementation, expanding access to adequate and affordable housing, strengthening coordination, and creating more sustainable and resilient human settlements across the country.

Speaking on “Adequate Housing for All – From Global Commitment to National Action,” Mr Waqar Syed, Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Pakistan, emphasized the importance of people-centred approaches to housing and urban development. He said that adequate housing is more than a roof over one’s head. It is a foundation for dignity, opportunity, and resilient communities, and UN-Habitat remains committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan in strengthening institutions and advancing housing solutions that leave no one behind.

At the conclusion, Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, emphasized implementation and sustained institutional coordination and multi-stakeholder collaboration as the policy moves into implementation.