Islamabad: A high-level delegation from UN-Habitat Headquarters recently convened with Pakistan’s Ministry of Housing & Works to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at alleviating the country’s severe housing deficit and promoting sustainable urban development. The meeting, attended by key government officials and UN-Habitat representatives, emphasized the importance of innovative financing models, policy support, and collaborative efforts to enhance affordable and inclusive housing solutions across Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, welcomed the UN-Habitat delegation and underscored the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s estimated housing shortage of approximately 10 million units. He highlighted that challenges such as high land costs, technical complexities, limited access to mortgage finance, and the necessity for vertical housing development are significant barriers impeding progress in the housing sector. The minister emphasized the need for solutions aligned with global best practices and national development priorities.
The delegation included Ms. Ombretta Tempra, Head of the UN-Habitat mission and Chief of the Land, Housing, and Shelter Section; Mr. John Taylor, UN-Habitat Pakistan’s Chief Technical Advisor; and Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Country Head of UN-Habitat Pakistan. Ms. Tempra advocated for innovative, affordable housing options targeted at low-income and marginalized populations, drawing on successful models from Nairobi and China. She proposed diverse financing mechanisms such as mortgages, bank guarantees, microfinancing, and rental housing, noting that rental solutions are increasingly vital globally for affordable urban living.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed Pakistan’s draft National Housing Policy 2025, with UN-Habitat reaffirming its commitment to support the review process as a technical partner. The organization recommended engaging the World Bank for financial assistance following the policy’s refinement. It was also agreed that a joint consultative session would be organized three weeks after the policy review to explore further collaboration opportunities, including the potential launch of an urban regeneration pilot project focusing on rental housing. This project, based on successful international models, is planned to be implemented within the Federal Capital Territory.
The discussions concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their dedication to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient housing ecosystem in Pakistan. This collaboration aims to leverage global expertise and innovative approaches to address the country’s housing challenges and promote urban development that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
