ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a more open and investment-friendly environment, with a particular focus on strengthening Pakistan’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector and broader capital markets.
Aurangzeb made these remarks while chairing a virtual meeting of the Focus Group on Incentivising and Facilitating the Growth of Real Estate Investment Trusts. The meeting was attended by prominent business figures, including Arif Habib, Nadeem Riaz, and Ali Jameel, along with officials from both the public and private sectors.
The minister noted that REITs offer a structured and transparent way to direct real estate investments into productive sectors of the economy. He also highlighted their role in promoting documentation and supporting the formalisation of the real estate, construction, and development sectors.
Discussions during the meeting focused on simplifying tax systems, easing regulatory procedures, and increasing investor participation, particularly from small investors, to help grow the REIT market.
Participants acknowledged that while Pakistan’s REIT sector has made some initial progress, significant room for growth remains. Officials noted this potential can be unlocked through better coordination, regulatory clarity, and the removal of administrative hurdles.
Officials also stressed the need to align Pakistan’s REIT framework with international best practices, while keeping regulations simple enough to encourage broader adoption and attract both local and foreign investment.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and other relevant bodies have been directed to review taxation and regulatory issues and present actionable proposals to the government.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly environment to support sustainable growth in the real estate sector.
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