Ministry of Housing-Works Launches National Housing Policy 2026 on the World-Habitat-Day
Islamabad – 7 October 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The Ministry of Housing and Works in collaboration with the 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 Science and Technology, Islamabad where Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada formally unveils the Policy draft.
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.
According to the press note, the latest policy reaffirms 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, supporting rental housing, and upgrading informal settlements. It emphasizes governance reform, regulatory streamlining, and institutional strengthening as essential to these goals, says press note.
Minister further narrated that the National Housing Policy 2026 provides Pakistan with a renewed framework to respond to the housing needs of our people. Our 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.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, highlighted the strong link between housing, climate resilience, sustainable urban development and national development planning. He said, “The National Housing Policy 2025 provides a clear pathway to address Pakistan’s growing housing shortfall while strengthening climate resilience and sustainable urban development. With enhanced housing finance support, including up to 90 per cent financing for home ownership, we are making adequate housing more accessible, particularly for low- and middle-income families.”
Closing the event, Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, emphasized sustained institutional coordination and multi-stakeholder collaboration as the policy moves into implementation.
