ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has approved the National Housing Policy 2026, introducing an updated national framework for housing and urban development after nearly 25 years since the previous policy was approved in 2001.
The new policy aims to provide strategic direction for addressing Pakistan’s housing needs while promoting affordable, adequate and sustainable housing and improving access to essential services and supporting infrastructure.
The framework focuses on nine strategic areas covering major challenges across the housing and urban development sector. These include land for housing, housing finance, construction services, technology and building materials, development of intermediate and secondary towns, slums and informal settlements, affordable housing, low-income and rural housing, and capacity building and knowledge sharing.
The policy also addresses broader issues such as land availability, financing mechanisms, construction technologies, balanced urban growth and institutional reforms. Climate resilience and environmentally sustainable housing have also been incorporated into the framework.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and the ministry’s secretary appreciated the Policy & Planning Wing for its work in preparing the document. Officials said efforts were made to consult major stakeholders during the formulation process.
The approval is being viewed as an important step toward establishing a coordinated national approach to housing and urban development. The government expects the policy to provide clearer strategic direction for addressing the country’s housing deficit and emerging urban challenges.
