Urban Developments & Planning

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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.

CategoriesNews Economy Property Property Taxes Real Estate Tax Urban Developments & Planning

Punjab Recovers Rs9.3 Million But Misses FY26 Property Tax Target

LAHORE: The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has been unable to meet its property tax collection goal for FY2025-26, despite revising property valuation rates and widening the tax base earlier in the year. With two weeks left before the June 30 deadline, officials have shifted into emergency mode.
The Director General of Excise and Taxation has cancelled all staff leave and ordered field teams to stay on active recovery duty until the fiscal year closes. As part of the crackdown, officers across the department’s five property tax zones sealed 362 properties belonging to defaulters in a single week, recovering Rs9.3 million in unpaid dues over the same period.

Zone-IV Gujar Khan stood out as the best-performing area. Excise and Taxation Officer Abdul Qadir led recoveries in the zone, followed by ETO Asim Sardar and ETO Kulsoom Zahra.

At the other end of the scale, Zone-V, which covers several upscale neighbourhoods with large, high-value properties, posted the weakest recovery numbers. Officials say complaints have already been filed with the Director General over the reporting of allegedly bogus taxable properties from that zone, raising questions about data integrity within the system.

Field officers, however, remain hopeful. They say notices have been issued to all known defaulters and enforcement operations are running throughout the day across all zones.

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green certificate
CategoriesConstruction Developments Property Laws Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

PLRA Online Fard & Green Certificate: Complete Easy Guide 2026

If you own land or property in Punjab, there are three things you need to know right now. First, there is an official government portal where you can search your PLRA land record online. Second, the traditional Fard, the document Pakistanis have relied on for centuries to prove ownership, is being replaced. Third, the new replacement is called the Green Property Certificate, and it changes everything about how property ownership works in Punjab.

This guide covers everything in plain language. Whether you want to do a quick PLRA land search, understand what PLRA online Fard means, or learn how to get the new Green Certificate, you will find the answers here.

What is PLRA? Understanding the Basics

PLRA stands for Punjab Land Records Authority. It is a government body set up under the PLRA Act 2017, and it works under the Board of Revenue, Punjab. Its job is to manage, digitize, and maintain land records for the entire province.

Before PLRA, property records were kept manually by Patwaris — local officials who maintained physical registers. This old system was slow, easy to corrupt, and often led to forged documents and land disputes. PLRA was created to fix exactly that.

Today, PLRA runs a digital system that covers millions of properties across Punjab. It operates Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) in every district and tehsil, and it runs an online portal at punjab-zameen.gov.pk where citizens can access their records.

Quick fact: PLRA’s digital land project is backed by the World Bank with USD 150 million in funding. It includes a full GIS mapping survey of all state land in Punjab. 

What is PLRA Online Fard and How to Get It?

Fard (فرد) is the extract of the Record of Rights. In simple terms, it is the document that proves you own a piece of land. For decades, getting a Fard meant visiting the Patwari’s office, dealing with middlemen, paying unofficial fees, and waiting days or weeks. The process was slow and open to corruption.

What Changed with PLRA Online Fard?

PLRA digitized the entire system. Now you can get your PLRA online Fard in minutes from your phone or computer. The digital Fard is:

  • Legally valid and accepted for all property transactions
  • Verify with a QR code scan to confirm authenticity instantly
  • Free to download from the official PLRA portal
  • Accessible to overseas Pakistanis using NICOP

The old days of paying touts or agents just to get a copy of your own property document are over.

How to Get Your PLRA Online Fard

  1. Visit rod.pulse.gop.pk
  2. Enter your CNIC number
  3. Select your district and tehsil
  4. Your property record will appear
  5. Click the Download or Print option to get your Fard

Every digital Fard has a unique QR code. You or anyone else can scan this code on the PLRA portal to instantly verify that the document is genuine.

Important Update — Fard is Being Replaced

As of 2026, PLRA has started replacing the traditional Fard with a new document called the Green Property Certificate. The pilot started in Sahiwal district on May 1, 2026. The province-wide rollout is expected to be complete by December 2026.

Once fully launched, property transactions in Punjab will no longer be done through Fard. The Green Property Certificate will be the only accepted ownership document for buying, selling, or transferring land.

This does not mean your existing Fard becomes worthless immediately but it does mean you should start understanding the Green Certificate process now.

What is a Green Property Certificate?

The Green Property Certificate (commonly called the Green Certificate) is a modern, electronically generated ownership document issued by PLRA. It verifies the legal status, ownership, and possession of a specific piece of land.

Unlike the old Fard, the Green Certificate does not just show who owns the land on paper. It also confirms:

  • That the owner is in actual physical possession of the land
  • That there are no unpaid taxes or government dues on the property
  • That no bank mortgage or financial encumbrance exists
  • That no active court case is attached to the property
  • The exact boundaries of the land (measured using GPS/DGPS technology)

This makes it a far more complete and trustworthy document than the old Fard ever was.

Why Was the Green Certificate Created?

The Fard system served Punjab for centuries, but it had serious weaknesses. A Fard could be forged. It did not confirm possession. It did not check for mortgages or court orders. Property scams, fake registries, and duplicate documents were common.

The Green Certificate solves all of this in one document. It is tamper-proof, digitally signed, QR-coded, and stored in a cloud-based government database. No one can manually edit or overwrite it.

Punjab’s 485-year-old manual property registration system, introduced in 1540, is being replaced by this digital platform.

Green Certificate Program — How It Works (10-Step Process)

Applying for a Green Property Certificate is a thorough process. Here is every step explained in simple language, based on official PLRA information.

Step 1 — Token Issuance and Process Initiation

Visit your nearest Arazi Record Center (ARC) or Service Center. At the reception, tell the staff you want to apply for a Green Property Certificate. They will issue you a service token and open your case in the PLRA system.

Step 2 — Provide Property Details and Pay the Fee

Submit complete details of your land or property. The application fee is PKR 900. You can pay at the Bank of Punjab (BOP) counter inside the ARC, at any BOP branch, or through PSID using JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or online banking.

Step 3 — Identity Verification

Your identity is verified through NADRA biometrics. You must bring your original CNIC. Your registered mobile number and basic record details are also cross-checked with what is in the PLRA registry.

Step 4 — Ownership Record and Transaction History Review

The system reviews your full ownership history and checks for any complications, including unpaid taxes or government dues, bank mortgages or financial encumbrances, and active court orders or legal disputes.

Step 5 — Field Survey and Site Inspection

A PLRA surveyor visits your property in person. Using modern GPS/DGPS technology, they measure the exact boundaries and confirm the precise area of your land. This step ensures that what is recorded on paper matches what exists on the ground.

Step 6 — Neighbor / Witness Verification

At least two neighboring landowners from your area whose records are already in the PLRA computerized system must give statements confirming that you are in actual possession of the land. Their identity is verified through biometric scanning. This step protects against fake ownership claims.

Step 7 — Gazetted Officer and Revenue Staff Verification

Authorized supervisory officers at Grade 17 or above from the Punjab government review the complete case and all verification notes. Any issues or objections raised during this stage are handled as per official procedure.

Step 8 — 15-Day Public Notice

After the field survey, your property details are published on the PLRA website for 15 days. This gives anyone, a neighbor, a relative, or any third party, the chance to raise an objection. If no objection is filed within this period, the process moves forward.

Step 9 — Final Verification and Approval

The Assistant Director Land Records (ADLR) or an authorized officer reviews the entire case one final time and grants official approval. Once approved, the certificate is ready.

Step 10 — Green Property Certificate Issuance

After all ten stages are complete, your Green Property Certificate is issued through the Service Center. It includes a unique QR code and secure digital features to prevent fraud. The certificate is your official, government-recognized proof of ownership, possession, and legal status of the property.

PLRA Land Record — What It Contains and Why It Matters

A PLRA land record is the official digital file of your property. It is stored in the PLRA database and contains all the key details about your land or property, including:

  • Owner name(s)
  • Property size and boundaries
  • Location (district, tehsil, village or area)
  • Ownership history and transfer records
  • Any encumbrances, mortgages, or court orders on the property
  • Khasra number (a unique identification number for the plot)

This record is the foundation of every property transaction in Punjab. Before you buy, sell, transfer, or mortgage any land, the first step is always to check the PLRA land record.

Why You Should Check Your PLRA Land Record

Most property disputes in Pakistan happen because people skip this step. Checking the PLRA land record before any transaction helps you confirm that:

  • The seller actually owns the property
  • No bank has a mortgage on it
  • There is no active court case against the property
  • The property size and boundaries match what is being sold
  • There are no unpaid taxes or government dues

A five-minute check on the PLRA portal can save you years of legal trouble.

PLRA Land Search — How to Find Any Property Record Online

The PLRA land search service lets you look up property records online without visiting any government office. It is free, available 24/7, and takes only a few minutes.

PLRA – The Official Portal

The official PLRA portal is punjab-zameen.gov.pk; this is the only authentic government website for Punjab land records. Citizens can also use the related portal at rod.pulse.gop.pk for the online ownership record search.

How to Do a PLRA Land Search — Step by Step

  1. Open your browser and go to rod.pulse.gop.pk
  2. Enter your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes)
  3. Select your property’s district and tehsil from the dropdown menu
  4. The system will pull up all properties registered under your CNIC
  5. Select your property to view the full land record
  6. You can view or download your Fard (ownership document) from here

You can search by CNIC, property ID, or owner name. Overseas Pakistanis can also use their NICOP to search and download records from abroad.

What You Can Do Through PLRA Land Search

  • View current ownership details
  • Check transaction and transfer history
  • Download a copy of your Fard
  • Verify if a property is free of disputes before buying
  • Check unpaid taxes or bank encumbrances

The PLRA land search is one of the most useful tools available to property owners in Punjab. Use it before every transaction, no exceptions.

Green Certificate — Important Rules and FAQs

Fee and Payment

Application fee: PKR 900. Payable at the BOP counter at ARC, any BOP branch, or via PSID through JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or online banking.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Original CNIC
  • Existing Fard or Registry (proof of ownership)
  • Property details (district, tehsil, Khasra number)

What Happens to Other Transactions During the GPC Process?

Once the Green Certificate process begins for a property, all other transactions on that property are temporarily suspended. You cannot sell, transfer, or mortgage the land until the process is complete.

What If Your Application is Rejected?

If a Green Certificate cannot be issued, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can file an appeal before the concerned Assistant Commissioner within 30 days. You can also reapply once the cause of rejection has been resolved.

Three Types of Property Reports Under the Green Certificate System

Report Type Purpose Details
Non-Transactional Information only Shows ownership and land use. Does not create or transfer any legal rights.
Semi-Transactional Legal/administrative use Used for security documentation. May include encumbrance verification.
Transactional Property transfer Issued specifically for property transfer. Linked directly to the electronic registration system.

 Special Cases – Green Certificate

Can I get a GPC for agricultural land if I am a joint owner?

For agricultural land, all co-owners must agree. If they do not, legal partition of the land must be completed first under the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967. After the partition, each owner can apply independently.

What if I am a co-owner of residential or commercial land?

If the land use has been converted from agricultural to residential, commercial, or industrial, a single co-owner may apply independently, without needing the consent of other owners.

Can one GPC cover multiple Khasra numbers?

No. Each property with its own boundaries and unique identification number requires a separate GPC. However, developed residential, commercial, or industrial land made up of multiple Khasras may be consolidated into a single unit through parcel-based mapping.

Can I get a GPC for built-up or urban property?

Yes. A Green Certificate can be issued for properties in built-up or urban areas, including unplanned developed areas, as long as ownership is confirmed through land records. Local land use laws must be followed.

How can I verify a Green Certificate?

Scan the QR code printed on the certificate using the PLRA verification app or portal. Verification is instant and free.

Rollout Timeline — When Does the Green Certificate Affect You?

Phase Districts Timeline
Early pilot (8 districts) Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Wazirabad + 1 2025 (complete)
Expanded (20 districts) 20 districts across Punjab January 2026 (complete)
Fard pilot replacement Sahiwal (mandatory) May 1, 2026 (active)
Next phase Lodhran and Hafizabad July 1, 2026 (planned)
Full Punjab rollout All 36 districts December 2026 (target)

 Always verify the latest dates directly at punjab-zameen.gov.pk before completing any property transaction, as implementation timelines may be updated.

ARC Helpdesk — How to Reach PLRA

PLRA Helpline: 042-111-22-22-77

Official Portal: punjab-zameen.gov.pk

Land Record Search Portal: rod.pulse.gop.pk

PLRA has over 150 Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) across Punjab. Walk in to any ARC in your district or tehsil for in-person assistance with PLRA land search, Fard download, or Green Certificate application.

Final Takeaway – PLRA Online Fard

Pakistan’s land record system is going through its biggest change in over 400 years. The PLRA has already moved PLRA land records online, made PLRA online Fard accessible to every citizen with a CNIC, and launched the Green Certificate program that is replacing the traditional Fard entirely.

If you own property in Punjab, the most important things to do right now are:

  1. Check your PLRA land record on the official portal to make sure everything is correct
  2. Download your PLRA online Fard and verify the QR code
  3. Understand the Green Certificate process and apply when your district is covered
  4. For any transaction, buying, selling, or transferring, always do a PLRA land search first.

For a more informative blog on real estate, property laws, or property taxes in Pakistan, visit Chakor blogs.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Karachi’s Azeempura Flyover Set to Open After 100-Day Completion

KARACHI: Karachi is finally getting a new flyover. The Azeempura Flyover has been completed and will open to traffic within a week, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab confirmed during a late-night inspection of the site.

The project was completed in 100 days, meeting a deadline set by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The main structure is fully built. Workers are now finishing the final touches, road surfacing, signage, and safety installations, before the bridge opens to the public.

The flyover connects Shahrah-e-Bhutto to the road leading toward Jinnah International Airport. This is one of Karachi’s most congested routes, and the new bridge is expected to ease traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
The project was carried out by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) under the supervision of the Sindh government. Officials say this flyover is part of a larger plan to fix Karachi’s long-standing traffic problems. The city is also seeing work on signal-free corridors and road rehabilitation projects as part of the same drive.
Mayor Wahab confirmed the news on social media, saying the bridge construction is complete and the flyover will be opened for public use before the deadline.

For Karachi residents, this is welcome news. The city has struggled with severe traffic congestion for years, and infrastructure projects of this scale have often faced delays. Completing this one on time marks a rare and notable achievement for the city’s administration. The exact inauguration date has not been announced yet, but authorities expect it to be open within days.

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

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Federal Government Real Estate Management Authority
CategoriesNews Developments Economy Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

NA Standing Committee Approves Bill to Establish Federal Government Real Estate Management Authority

ISLAMABAD: A National Assembly standing committee has formally recommended the creation of a dedicated Federal Government Real Estate Management Authority to oversee and optimise the management of state-owned properties across Pakistan.

The proposal, unanimously approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, has been forwarded to the National Assembly for full legislative passage.

The committee, chaired by Malik Ibrar Ahmad, convened to address longstanding concerns regarding the mismanagement and illegal occupation of government-owned land. Members highlighted that numerous federal properties remain either encroached upon or underutilised, failing to generate meaningful economic returns for the state despite holding considerable commercial value.

Malik Ibrar Ahmad underscored the gravity of the issue, noting that government-owned properties had been illegally occupied over extended periods. He cited the example of railway land recovered through intervention by the Standing Committee on Railways, noting that rapid urban expansion and commercial development have substantially increased the value of such assets in recent years.

The cabinet secretary informed committee members that the federal government holds an extensive portfolio of commercial, urban, and rural properties spread across the country. These assets are currently distributed among various ministries, divisions, and government organisations, resulting in fragmented oversight and widespread inefficiency. Previous efforts to improve returns from these holdings have largely yielded unsatisfactory outcomes.

The proposed authority would consolidate oversight responsibilities, managing, leasing, and supervising federal properties in accordance with government approvals, with a clear mandate to maximise economic utility.

In the same session, the committee approved several additional legislative proposals, including the Archival Material (Preservation and Export Control) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Abandoned Properties (Management) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Officials stated that these legislative measures collectively aim to strengthen governance, enhance administrative efficiency, and align legal frameworks with ongoing institutional reforms.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Peshawar Road Underpass Project Stalls as Monsoon Deadline Looms

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Communication and Works (C&W) Department has yet to break ground on three planned underpasses along Peshawar Road, with the monsoon season now less than a month away.

The underpasses, to be built at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross, are central to a 25-kilometre signal-free corridor linking the Islamabad Expressway to Motorway Chowk. Once operational, the corridor aims to cut travel time between the two points to 15–20 minutes.

While the GPO Chowk interchange was completed last year and the Kutchery Chowk remodelling wrapped up in May, formal construction on the three remaining structures has not commenced. Completion is now projected in the next fiscal year.

Officials attribute the delay to ongoing preparatory work. The executing agency is prioritising drainage infrastructure and service road construction before excavation begins, so that monsoon rains do not disrupt the project mid-course.

Formal digging is expected to begin within one to two weeks, after which completion is estimated at two months. Traffic police have been asked to prepare a revised traffic management plan, and the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has been directed to carry out patchwork on designated alternative routes.

On the utility front, Executive Engineer Qamar Saqib of the Punjab Highway Department confirmed that the relocation of Sui gas pipelines, telephone cables, and electricity infrastructure along the Race Course to Qadir Motors stretch has been completed.

Construction experts, however, warn that excavation during monsoon rains risks waterlogging in open trenches, potential rework, and restricted use of heavy machinery, all of which could extend timelines considerably.

Whether authorities can deliver within their stated window remains an open question for the thousands of commuters dependent on this corridor daily.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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