ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering making registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) mandatory for all companies operating in the housing and development sector, as part of a broader push to bring transparency and regulatory oversight to the country’s largely unregulated real estate market.
The development came during a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, at which proposals to overhaul the sector were formally presented.
Pakistan faces a housing shortage estimated at around 10 million units, while rapid urbanisation has intensified pressure on infrastructure, services, and farmland surrounding major cities. Against this backdrop, the government has signalled its intent to pursue sweeping structural reforms.
Participants at the meeting were briefed that mandatory SECP registration would be introduced for all entities engaged in housing and development. A strategy is also to be formulated to curb unplanned urban expansion, while high-rise construction and vertical development will be encouraged in major cities.
The meeting further discussed master town planning for large urban centres and proposed establishing a one-window system to safeguard the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders.
The government is also considering regulatory reforms to simplify procedures for credible developers and investors.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that housing sector reforms are an essential requirement given the country’s growing population. He reaffirmed that providing affordable housing for low-income groups and improving public facilities remain key government priorities.
The proposed measures, if enacted, are expected to instil greater investor confidence, curb fraudulent housing schemes, and provide a structured regulatory framework for one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing economic sectors.
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