ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the National Housing Policy 2026 along with an action plan for its implementation, with a focus on better land use, vertical construction, zoning compliance and energy-efficient housing.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The policy aims to promote safer, higher-quality and more sustainable housing while addressing Pakistan’s growing housing needs.
Vertical Housing to Improve Land Use
Under the new policy, housing developments will be required to comply with existing zoning regulations. The government has also directed authorities to encourage vertical construction where appropriate to make more efficient use of limited urban land.
The approach is expected to support more compact urban development and help cities accommodate growing populations without relying solely on horizontal expansion.
Energy Efficiency Included in Housing Policy
The cabinet also directed that energy-efficiency codes become an integral part of the housing policy.
New housing projects will therefore be expected to incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction standards. The move is aimed at encouraging more sustainable buildings while potentially reducing energy consumption over the long term.
The policy was prepared by a working group comprising national and international experts, with input from federal ministries, provincial governments and development partners.
Apna Ghar Scheme Financing Reaches PKR 220 Billion
The cabinet also reviewed progress on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Apna Ghar housing scheme.
According to the meeting, banks have approved around PKR 220 billion in housing loans for applicants seeking to purchase or construct homes under the programme. More than PKR 32 billion has already been disbursed to successful applicants.
The latest figures show an increase from the PKR 204 billion in approved financing and PKR 27 billion in disbursements reported during a review meeting in late July.
The Apna Ghar programme provides financing for eligible applicants through participating commercial and Islamic banks, microfinance banks and the House Building Finance Company Limited.
The approval of the National Housing Policy 2026 marks another step in the government’s efforts to address housing demand while promoting efficient land use, vertical development and sustainable construction practices across Pakistan.
