Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government and the Capital Development Authority are working on a potential regulatory framework for around 199 unauthorized housing schemes linked to Islamabad, with authorities considering giving such projects an opportunity to address planning and legal deficiencies and enter the formal regulatory system.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said authorities are dealing with approximately 199 illegal housing schemes, including 62 projects located outside the territorial limits of Islamabad but marketed using the name of the federal capital.

Naqvi indicated that these schemes could be offered an option to enter a registration and regulatory process, allowing them to remove illegalities, fulfil outstanding requirements and comply with applicable planning rules. The move suggests a possible shift towards creating a regulatory pathway for some longstanding projects rather than relying exclusively on enforcement measures such as sealing or demolition.

The issue has gained renewed attention because of longstanding cases such as Ghauri Town, where thousands of residents have been living for years despite unresolved approval issues. The CDA continues to list Ghauri Town, across all its phases, among illegal housing schemes on its official portal.

Under the CDA’s existing regulatory framework, private housing schemes are required to first obtain approval for their Layout Plan, or LOP. After completing subsequent legal and technical formalities, developers must obtain a No Objection Certificate before they can lawfully begin development work or sell plots.

The CDA had also initiated a consultancy process in January 2026 for preparation of a feasibility study on the regularization and upgradation of illegal housing schemes and settlements in Islamabad, indicating that a structured policy response to the issue had already been under consideration.

Any eventual regulatory framework will have to address complicated situations in which plots were sold years ago, roads and basic infrastructure were developed and houses were constructed, but the original developer failed to obtain the statutory approvals required from the relevant authorities.

For residents already living in such schemes, a workable regulatory mechanism could potentially provide a path towards resolving longstanding problems involving property titles, municipal services, planning standards and legal status.

However, consideration of regularization should not be interpreted as confirmation that any individual scheme has received an NOC or formal approval. The legal status of a housing scheme will remain unchanged unless and until the CDA formally revises that status.

Prospective buyers should therefore continue to verify the latest LOP and NOC position of any housing project directly with the CDA before making a purchase. Buyers should also avoid paying additional premiums based on expectations that a currently unauthorized scheme will necessarily be regularized in the future.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan has decided to receive three liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from Qatar during October as uncertainty grows over energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The government is also preparing to engage Iranian authorities to help ensure the safe passage of LNG vessels carrying supplies to Pakistan through the strategically important waterway.

The move comes as QatarEnergy has extended force majeure on LNG supplies to Pakistan until November 4, raising concerns that disruptions could continue into the winter season.

Officials fear that if the situation persists, Pakistan could miss the delivery of several LNG cargoes contracted under its long term supply agreements, potentially placing additional pressure on the country’s energy supply during the peak winter demand period.

The government is now making emergency arrangements to secure adequate LNG supplies before demand rises during the colder months.

Particular focus is being placed on ensuring sufficient gas availability for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the northern regions, where gas consumption typically increases sharply during winter.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, and uncertainty over the movement of LNG vessels through the waterway has increased concerns among countries dependent on imported gas.

Pakistan relies on imported LNG to supplement domestic gas supplies, particularly during periods of higher seasonal demand. Any prolonged interruption to contracted cargoes could therefore affect gas availability and require the government to arrange alternative supplies.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Privatisation Commission Board has approved the pre qualification of nine parties for the proposed privatisation of Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), including three Turkish companies and six major Pakistani business groups.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Privatisation Commission Board chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister Muhammad Ali, where key matters relating to the power, aviation and financial sectors were reviewed.

The three Turkish companies that successfully cleared the pre qualification stage are Aktör Elektrik, Genvera Energy and Cengiz Enerji.

From Pakistan, Engro Energy, Hub Power Company, Sapphire, Shirazi Investments, Artistic Milliners and AKD Securities have been pre qualified to participate in the next stage of the GEPCO privatisation process.

The nine pre-qualified parties will now begin the due diligence process through a virtual data room, allowing them to review relevant financial, operational and other information related to the power distribution company before proceeding further in the transaction.

GEPCO is among the state owned power distribution companies being considered for privatisation as part of the government’s broader programme to reduce its commercial footprint and attract private-sector participation in the electricity distribution sector.

The Privatisation Commission Board also decided to accelerate the privatisation process of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and House Building Finance Company Limited (HBFCL).

The meeting reviewed progress on transactions in the power, aviation and financial sectors as the government moves forward with its wider privatisation programme.