Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has accelerated plans to establish Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centres in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), while also exploring the use of existing government buildings and centrally located public properties for expanding the citizen facilitation network across the country.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the proposed centres in AJK and GB and examine different operational and infrastructure models for extending the initiative to additional cities.
During the meeting, the minister directed the chief secretaries of AJK and GB to immediately initiate the tendering process for establishing the centres in accordance with the prime minister’s instructions.
He assured the two administrations that the federal government would provide the required funding for development of the facilities.
The chief secretaries of AJK and GB, who participated in the meeting virtually, agreed to proceed with the tendering process.
Cheema stressed that implementation should be accelerated so that the projects could move forward without unnecessary delays.
A significant part of the meeting focused on the physical infrastructure and property requirements associated with expanding the Asaan Khidmat Centre network.
Officials discussed the possibility of utilising centrally located post offices and other existing government buildings in major cities for providing Asaan Khidmat services, potentially reducing the need to acquire or construct entirely new facilities.
The minister directed officials to conduct a feasibility assessment of the proposal, examining whether existing state-owned buildings could be adapted or renovated to accommodate multiple public-service departments under one roof.
No final decision, however, was taken regarding the use of these properties.
The government is also considering several operational models for future centres.
Under one proposed hybrid model, the government would provide the building or service facility while a private-sector company would manage day-to-day operations.
A second option involves a fully private model under which the government would issue a licence to a private operator, which would be responsible for arranging the premises as well as managing the centre.
The third model would involve complete government ownership and operation of the facility.
Cheema directed officials to prepare a detailed feasibility study assessing the financial, administrative and operational implications of the proposed models and submit recommendations to the prime minister for consideration.
The meeting also discussed the financial sustainability of the centres, particularly the cost of maintaining premises, utilities and other infrastructure.
The minister called for examining a revenue-sharing mechanism involving departments providing services at the centres, including the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
He said departments benefiting from the facilities should contribute towards operational expenses because the government provides the buildings, utilities and supporting infrastructure required for delivery of their services.
Cheema also stressed that any private-sector participation must include a transparent revenue-sharing arrangement and safeguards to prevent operators from imposing additional charges on citizens.
He said the purpose of the initiative was to make government services more accessible and convenient and that the cost of operating the centres should not result in an additional financial burden on the public.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the performance and public response to the Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centre operating in Islamabad’s G-9 area and directed authorities to further improve its facilities and service delivery.
The expansion of the programme is expected to increase demand for suitable government premises, renovation works, service infrastructure and purpose-built public facilitation spaces as the model is extended to AJK, GB and other urban centres.
Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centre operates as a one-stop citizen facilitation facility, bringing more than 60 government services under one roof.
Services available through the centres include passport-related facilities, NADRA services, domicile certificates and registration of births and deaths, among other public services.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary Communications Ali Sher Masood, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, chief secretaries of AJK and GB, officials of the Prime Minister’s Office and other senior government officials attended the meeting.
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Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Gulf investors have increased their exposure to Pakistan, investing nearly $150 million in government bonds and treasury bills during the first 25 days of September 2026, according to official data.

The United Arab Emirates accounted for the largest share of the inflows, with UAE based investors placing around $115 million in Pakistani government securities during the period.

Investors from Bahrain contributed approximately $24 million, while other Gulf countries collectively invested around $10 million, reflecting a broader increase in regional interest in Pakistan’s financial assets.

Finance Ministry officials said relatively high yields on government securities, attractive returns and improving macroeconomic stability had helped restore confidence among foreign investors, particularly those from Gulf economies.

According to officials, the rising level of foreign participation indicates that Pakistan is regaining attention as an investment market in the region, although the sustainability of these inflows will depend on continued economic stability, exchange rate conditions, interest rates and policy consistency.

The renewed Gulf interest in Pakistan’s financial markets could also have wider implications for investment in real estate and other asset classes. A sustained improvement in investor confidence may create stronger prospects for Gulf capital to move into housing, commercial property, tourism, infrastructure and other long term projects.

Pakistan’s real estate sector has traditionally attracted interest from overseas Pakistanis and investors linked to Gulf markets. Further improvements in regulatory transparency, digitisation of property records and investment facilitation could strengthen the case for foreign participation in large residential, commercial and mixed use developments.

However, the nearly $150 million recorded during September represents investment in government securities rather than direct real estate investment. Any subsequent increase in property investment would depend on separate investment decisions, project viability, regulatory conditions and expected returns.

The latest inflows are significant because investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other Gulf economies have the capacity to deploy capital across infrastructure, energy, tourism and property. Greater confidence in Pakistan’s financial markets could therefore provide a foundation for broader and longer term Gulf investment in real assets if favourable conditions are sustained.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
A three day Saudi real estate exhibition showcasing property projects and investment opportunities across the Kingdom is set to take place in Islamabad from October 23 to 25, 2026, offering Pakistani investors direct exposure to Saudi Arabia’s expanding property market.

The exhibition is aimed at connecting Pakistani investors, businesspeople and real estate professionals with Saudi developers and other stakeholders while providing information about residential, commercial and other property investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The event is being organised by the Federation of Saudi Chambers through the Saudi-Pakistani Business Council. The Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce has also circulated official invitations among its members for participation in the exhibition.

The deadline for companies and exhibitors seeking to participate in the event was September 27, indicating that the initial phase of exhibitor registration has already concluded.

The initiative is expected to contribute to strengthening economic, business and investment ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while giving Pakistani investors greater access to information about opportunities emerging in the Saudi property market.

The exhibition comes as Saudi Arabia continues to undertake major residential, commercial, tourism and urban development projects, creating new opportunities for local and international investors across different segments of the real estate sector.

Unlike many overseas property exhibitions that primarily promote Pakistani real estate projects to foreign investors, the Islamabad event will bring Saudi property offerings directly to prospective investors in Pakistan.

Potential investors and buyers are advised to conduct appropriate due diligence before committing funds, including verifying the developer behind a project, the authorisation of representatives or agents, payment arrangements and the rules governing foreign property ownership in the relevant city or region of Saudi Arabia.