Urban Developments & Planning

HomepageUrban Developments & Planning

Category: Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan’s cities are growing faster than ever, and thoughtful urban planning has never been more critical. At Chakor, our Urban Developments and Planning section explores the master plans, zoning decisions, infrastructure investments, and community projects shaping how Pakistan’s urban centres evolve.

For developers, investors, and citizens alike, understanding how cities are being planned today is the key to knowing where value will be created tomorrow.

Pakistan, ADB Set to Transform Railways
CategoriesNews Developments Economy Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan, ADB Set to Transform Railways with $1.2 Billion ML-1 Deal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to ensure the timely completion of documentation and procedural formalities to accelerate the implementation of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, with a focus on the Karachi-Rohri section.

A high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema reviewed the project’s implementation framework and deliberated on measures to fast-track progress. Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah briefed the participants on ongoing preparatory arrangements, while ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior Bank officials also took part in the discussions.

The ADB is expected to approve a financing facility of approximately USD 1.2 billion to rehabilitate the Karachi-Rohri section of Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 project. The Bank is also planning to engage other development partners as co-financiers for the remaining corridor stretching from Karachi to Peshawar.

Minister Cheema directed the Ministry of Railways to accelerate the documentation process in close coordination with the ADB and the Economic Affairs Division. He underscored that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the ML-1 project this year, and that securing ADB funding in the upcoming fiscal year remains a key government priority.

The Minister further instructed the Ministry of Railways to work in tandem with the Planning Division to ensure readiness of the PC-1 and all other mandatory project requirements, emphasising efficiency and transparency throughout the process.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in expediting documentation and related formalities. She confirmed that the ADB would ensure the timely hiring of the PRF consultant and would endeavour to minimise the project review timeline.

ML-1 is regarded as a strategically significant initiative that will substantially improve freight movement and strengthen railway services nationwide.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

Sources:

CategoriesSpecial Report Construction Developments Property Laws Real Estate Investment Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan’s First Apartment Law: Inside the ICT Condominium (Ownership and Management) Act, 2026

ISLAMABAD — For more than twenty years, people who bought apartments in Islamabad did so without any dedicated law to protect their ownership. Unlike those who bought a plot or a house, apartment buyers had no independent title in their own name.

Their rights were tied to whatever lease the developer held with the Capital Development Authority (CDA). If that lease was cancelled for any reason, buyers could find themselves with no legal recourse, regardless of how much money they had paid.

Pakistan’s parliament has finally moved to pass the Islamabad Capital Territory Condominium (Ownership and Management) Act, 2026, the first dedicated condominium law for the federal capital.

What the Law Actually Does

At its core, the Act does three things: it gives apartment owners a proper legal title, it creates a formal body to manage shared buildings, and it sets up a system to resolve disputes.

On ownership: Every unit sold in a condominium complex now confers exclusive ownership rights on the buyer. A formal Deed of Ownership containing details of the unit, common areas, value, and ownership percentage must be executed and registered with the Authority.

Builders are legally bound to provide this deed within three months of a sale. Critically, the buyer’s share in common areas, lobbies, staircases, car parking, and rooftops automatically transfers along with the unit. It cannot be separated.

On lease-hold properties: Many apartments in Islamabad sit on land that developers leased from the CDA rather than owned outright. The law now requires those developers to execute individual subleases for each unit and register them with the CDA. 

Once 50% of units are handed over to buyers, the developer must formally transfer the lease rights to the Association of Owners.

On collective management: The law makes it mandatory to form an Association of Owners for every condominium complex. This body, a minimum of five elected members, each serving a three-year term, takes on responsibility for maintaining the building, managing shared facilities, collecting maintenance contributions, and insuring the complex against fire, earthquakes, riots, and bomb blasts. Crucially, each unit owner gets one vote regardless of how many units they hold, preventing wealthier investors from dominating building decisions.

On enforcement: A federal Regulator will be designated by the government to receive complaints, inspect buildings, and issue binding decisions in disputes. If the Association of Owners fails to perform its duties, aggrieved owners or tenants can approach the Regulator directly. The Regulator’s decisions in unresolved disputes are final.

Pakistan’s Housing Crisis

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. UN-Habitat notes that Pakistan’s urban population nearly doubled from 43 million to 75 million between 1998 and 2017.

Pakistan has historically relied on low-rise, plot-based housing development, unlike neighbouring India and many Gulf states, where vertical urban expansion has become more common in major cities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairing a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms in May 2026, said the government would encourage high-rise buildings and vertical expansion in major cities as part of broader urban planning reforms, and directed authorities to digitise and automate housing-related processes to improve transparency and attract investment.

Officials also proposed mandatory registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for entities operating in the housing and development sector, alongside a proposed one-window system to protect the rights of developers, buyers, and other stakeholders.

The condominium law fits squarely within this direction. If vertical growth is to be encouraged, legal certainty for apartment buyers is not optional; it is a precondition.

Analyst Perspectives

Experts broadly welcome the legislation but point to significant implementation challenges. Investment advisors highlight 2026 as a turning point for property investment in Pakistan, with urban expansion, infrastructure projects, and growing overseas demand pointing toward market growth, but note that success depends on choosing developers who deliver on promises and provide international-standard living environments.

A recurring concern raised by observers is whether the Regulator, whose appointment is left to the Federal Government’s discretion, will be sufficiently independent and adequately resourced. The law grants the Regulator wide inspection and enforcement powers, but its effectiveness will depend entirely on how seriously the government treats that appointment. 

Similarly, the Association of Owners model only works if residents are willing and able to organise themselves, something that may prove difficult in buildings where a large share of units are held by absentee investors rather than resident owners.

Conclusion

The ICT Condominium Act, 2026, is a meaningful step forward for Pakistan’s urban property sector. It fills a legal vacuum that left apartment buyers in an unacceptably weak position for decades.

By establishing clear ownership titles, mandating owners’ associations, and creating a formal complaints mechanism, it lays the foundation for a healthier apartment market in the federal capital. The law has been written. The harder work begins now.

For more news on real estate and Special Reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

References

Mehsud, R. (2026, May 14). Pakistan weighs high-rise housing push to curb urban sprawl, protect farmland. Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2643548

National Assembly of Pakistan. (2026). Islamabad Capital Territory Condominium (Ownership and Management) Act, 2026 [Bill text, as passed by the National Assembly].

Siddiqui, S. (2026, May 19). Bill on flats, shared building ownership tabled in the Senate. Bloom Pakistan. https://bloompakistan.com/bill-on-flats-shared-building-ownership-tabled-in-senate/

Nadeem ul Haque, N. (2026, May 6). Property title risks for apartments in Islamabad. Substack. https://nadeemulhaque.substack.com/p/property-title-risks-for-apartments

Wasay, A. (2026, January 26). National Assembly committee defers ICT condominium bill over officials’ absence. TechJuice. https://www.techjuice.pk/national-assembly-committee-defers-ict-condominium-bill-over-officials-absence/

Pakistan Moves to Regulate Housing Sector
CategoriesNews Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan Moves to Regulate Housing Sector Through Mandatory SECP Registration

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.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Construction Developments Property Property Laws Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Big Relief for Developers as Court Allows Commercial Conversion of Karachi Residential Plots

KARACHI: The Federal Constitutional Court has lifted restrictions on converting residential plots for commercial and recreational use in Karachi, marking an important development for the city’s property and construction sectors.

The case was heard by a bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq. The court disposed of a long-running matter related to illegal constructions in Karachi and removed earlier limits on changing residential plots into commercial properties.
However, the court made it clear that amenity plots cannot be converted. This means land reserved for parks, schools, hospitals, mosques, playgrounds, and graveyards will remain protected and cannot be used for commercial or residential purposes.

During the hearing, Justice Aamer Farooq observed that the court would not interfere in the work of institutions such as the Sindh Building Control Authority unless there was a clear violation of the law. The court also noted that affected parties may approach the relevant forum or the high court if they believe any rule has been violated.

Justice Arshad Hussain further remarked that officials who violate building regulations or planning laws would face legal action under existing laws.
The decision is expected to have a significant impact on Karachi’s real estate market, where the use of residential areas for commercial activity has long been a disputed issue among developers, residents, and government authorities. While the ruling may open new business and construction opportunities, the protection of public-use land remains an important condition.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Construction Developments Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Rawalpindi completes Kachehri Chowk remodelling project

RAWALPINDI: Kachehri Chowk, one of Rawalpindi’s busiest traffic points, has been renamed Marka-e-Haq Square following the completion of a major remodelling project aimed at improving traffic flow in the city.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was scheduled to formally inaugurate the project on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The project, reportedly completed in six to seven months, was originally expected to take much longer.

The development includes two flyovers and three underpasses designed to reduce congestion for commuters travelling within Rawalpindi and between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The project is expected to handle more than 250,000 vehicles daily, making movement easier for motorists using The Mall, Rashid Minhas Road, Jinnah Park, and nearby routes.

The remodelled Kachehri Chowk flyover and underpass have been named Marka-e-Haq, while other parts of the project include the Jinnah Underpass and Flyover, and the Iftikhar Janjua Underpass. A monument has also been established near Baggi Park as part of the development.

The project cost has been reported at around Rs. 19 billion. Frontier Works Organisation was involved in the work, with quality checks linked to the Punjab Communication and Works Department.

Security arrangements were made for the inauguration ceremony, with personnel from Rawalpindi Police, Elite Force, Special Branch, and district police deployed in the area.

Residents have welcomed the completion of the project, expressing hope that it will ease daily traffic problems and reduce travel time in one of the city’s most crowded areas.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

Solar Project Set to Turn Keenjhar Lake
CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Power/Energy Urban Developments & Planning

$243 Million Solar Project Set to Turn Keenjhar Lake Into a Power Plant

KARACHI: The Pakistani government has announced plans to develop a 500-megawatt floating solar power project at Keenjhar Lake in Sindh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to clean, renewable energy. The project, estimated to cost $243.63 million, is projected to generate approximately 861.91 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, operating at a capacity factor of 19.6%.

The electricity generated by the facility will be supplied to K-Electric under a long-term power purchase agreement. A letter of intent has already been secured from K-Electric, and the process to select Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractors through competitive bidding is currently underway. The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with GO Energy Private Limited to facilitate power transmission from the project site.

Situated 137 kilometres from Karachi on the surface of Keenjhar Lake, one of Sindh’s largest freshwater bodies, the project will utilise approximately 1,606 acres of the lake’s surface to accommodate nearly one million solar panels. The floating design offers dual advantages: it eliminates land acquisition challenges associated with conventional solar installations and leverages the natural cooling effect of water to improve panel efficiency and overall energy output.

The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s 2030 emissions reduction targets and is part of a broader national push to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on costly imported fossil fuels. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with commercial operations projected to begin by 2028. The project is also anticipated to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases.

However, the project has drawn concern from local fishing communities and environmentalists. As Keenjhar Lake falls within a designated Ramsar wetland site, experts have flagged potential risks to migratory bird habitats and local fisheries, underscoring the need for thorough environmental oversight throughout the project’s development.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Construction Urban Developments & Planning

Work on Sangjani Interchange to Be Fast-Tracked Ahead of July Deadline

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the concerned authorities to complete the Sangjani Interchange on GT Road by July 31, 2026, as part of the Margalla Road–Motorway extension project in Islamabad.

During a visit to the project site, the minister reviewed the ongoing construction work and received a briefing from officials about the progress made so far. He instructed the relevant departments to speed up the work while ensuring quality standards are maintained.

The project covers a stretch of 2.7 kilometres and includes a three-lane road on both sides, along with a two-lane service road. Officials informed the minister that the project also includes the construction of a GT Road interchange, two underpasses, and a bridge.

The interchange is expected to improve traffic movement in the area and provide a smoother travel route for commuters using GT Road and nearby roads. Once completed, the project is likely to reduce traffic pressure and make daily travel easier for residents and road users.

Naqvi said public convenience should remain the main focus and directed officials to remove any hurdles causing delays. He stressed that the timely completion of the project would help improve connectivity and support better traffic management in the capital.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Construction Economy Investment Real Estate Trade Urban Developments & Planning

President Zardari Pushes for China Ties in Construction Machinery and Engineering

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger industrial cooperation with China, with special attention to construction machinery, engineering and technology transfer.

During his visit to Hunan province, President Zardari toured SANY Heavy Industry, a major Chinese manufacturer of heavy construction machinery. He was briefed on the company’s advanced manufacturing systems, production capacity, research work and use of digital technology.

The visit focused on possible cooperation between Pakistan and China in engineering, construction machinery, investment and technology transfer. These areas are important for Pakistan’s infrastructure development, where modern machinery and better technical skills can help improve project quality and efficiency.

The demand for better construction methods is also visible in Pakistan’s urban property market, especially in Islamabad’s Blue Area, where projects such as Citadel 7 and Citadel One3 reflect the move towards vertical, mixed-use and technology-driven real estate development.

President Zardari stressed the need to promote industrial technology, skills development and joint ventures. He said such partnerships could support Pakistan’s infrastructure and industrial growth. He also pointed to possible cooperation in construction machinery, digital manufacturing, renewable energy and engineering.

SANY Group Chairman Tang Xiuguo expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in manufacturing, technology exchange and capacity building.

For Pakistan’s construction sector, closer cooperation with Chinese companies could improve access to modern equipment and technical knowledge. It may also help build local capacity through joint ventures and skills training.

The visit also fits into wider Pakistan-China cooperation, including industrial development and CPEC 2.0, which Hunan officials said they would continue to support.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Trade Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan Signs Key Infrastructure Deal with Asian Development Bank for M6 Motorway

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement to build two sections of the M6 Motorway, connecting Hyderabad to Sukkur in Sindh province.

The agreement was signed by senior officials from both organizations. Under the deal, ADB will provide advisory support including feasibility studies and assistance in structuring a viable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The bank will also support the procurement process to attract private sector investment.

The project involves a 120-kilometre, six-lane road linking Hyderabad to Sukkur. It will serve as the final missing segment in the Karachi–Peshawar motorway corridor.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the signing, calling it a major milestone for the country’s infrastructure development. He noted that a project stalled for over 30 years was now moving ahead within just two years. The minister credited focused government effort and multilateral engagement for the breakthrough.

Khan stressed that the M6 is the missing link in Pakistan’s north-south road network. Once completed, it will allow traffic to move uninterrupted from Karachi Port to Peshawar and Gilgit. This, he said, will significantly improve trade logistics and passenger connectivity across the country.

The full project stretches 306 kilometres and will be six lanes wide. It will include 15 interchanges and 10 service areas for travelers and commercial transporters. Modern tolling and safety systems will also be installed along the route. Construction is scheduled to begin in May under the PPP model, with financing already secured from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.

CategoriesNews Developments Economy Tourism Urban Developments & Planning

Government Approves 1,000-Acre Park, Urban Reforms for Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced a major development plan to improve life in its capital, Islamabad. The plan was presented during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters.

A key decision from the meeting was the approval of a 1,000-acre public park near the Margalla Hills. The park is expected to offer modern recreational facilities and open spaces for people of all ages. Officials say it will become a major attraction and improve the city’s environment.

The government also plans to support investment in the hospitality sector. New five-star hotels will be built in partnership with international companies. In addition, a zero-tax policy for hotel investments is being prepared to attract both local and foreign investors.

To improve governance, authorities will conduct a full survey of land and properties in Islamabad. This will help resolve issues in land records and support better planning in the future.

Officials also shared updates on digital reforms. CDA services, including property transfers, are being shifted online. A central digital system will soon be launched to provide public services more efficiently.

For public safety, a dedicated emergency control room will be set up under the Safe City project to improve response times.

The meeting included senior government officials and CDA representatives. The new measures aim to manage urban growth, improve services, and make Islamabad a more modern and livable city.

For more news on real estate and special reports, visit Chakor Ventures.