Arazi Nama

The Shortage of Rental Housing: An Overlooked Challenge in Pakistan’s Housing Policy
Pakistan’s housing challenge is generally viewed through the lens of building or purchasing a home. However, amid the country’s growing population and rapidly expanding cities, an important reality continues to be overlooked: not every citizen can afford to buy a home immediately. In such circumstances, a strong system of quality, safe and affordable rental housing has become an essential component of urban life.
In major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, rising land and property prices have made homeownership increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income households. At the same time, high construction costs, elevated interest rates, taxes and other expenses have made housing finance less accessible. As a result, a large number of families depend on rental housing, yet the rental sector still appears to lack a well-structured and comprehensive policy framework.
The issue is not limited to rising rents. In many cities, tenants face difficulties related to long-term security, clear tenancy agreements, fair rental terms and the timely resolution of disputes. Property owners, on the other hand, have concerns about delayed rent payments, misuse of property and legal complications involving tenants. This lack of trust on both sides remains a major obstacle to the development of a strong and transparent rental housing market.
A significant part of Pakistan’s housing policy has traditionally focused on providing homeownership, which is important in its own right. However, making every citizen a homeowner in the immediate future is neither practical nor financially feasible. In many countries, affordable rental housing is recognised as an integral part of urban housing policy, with dedicated rental units for low- and middle-income families, clearly defined regulations and mechanisms to protect tenants’ rights.
Pakistan can also introduce affordable rental housing projects through collaboration among the government, private sector and real-estate developers. The development of rental housing on government land, incentives for private investment, standardised tenancy agreements and fast-track mechanisms for resolving rental disputes could help bring greater structure and transparency to the sector.
There is therefore a need to move beyond viewing housing merely as a question of “owning a home” and adopt a broader policy approach centred on “access to safe and affordable housing.” If Pakistan succeeds in developing an active and transparent rental housing market, it could not only reduce the immediate financial burden of homeownership on citizens but also help address the growing housing crisis in urban areas.
For Pakistan, the real challenge is not simply to build more houses, but to provide homes where citizens can enjoy dignified, secure and sustainable accommodation within the limits of their income.

The election campaign for the DHA Estate Agents Association Lahore offers the real estate community an important opportunity to define its priorities. At the heart of the contest lies a key question: how effectively will the next leadership address dealers’ business concerns, uphold professional standards and protect their collective interests?

A recent meeting of the Awami Business Group offered a glimpse of the emerging electoral activity. Around 50 registered dealers joined the group at the gathering in DHA Phase I. The group’s leadership invited other groups to cooperate and indicated that future decisions would be guided by consultation and majority opinion. Such developments highlight the importance of outreach in the election campaign.

The substance of any campaign, however, lies in its manifesto. Dealers have a right to know how candidates intend to improve the business environment, address administrative hurdles, provide professional training and support members’ welfare. Each pledge should come with a practical implementation plan, a timeframe and a clear mechanism for accountability.

For serving and former office-bearers, their record can form a central electoral argument, but it should be assessed against verifiable results. How many complaints were resolved? What services became available to members? What tangible benefits emerged from institutional engagement? These questions can bring substance to the electoral debate. Those seeking to lead should likewise be expected to present a viable alternative programme.

Effective engagement with the DHA administration should remain a prominent priority for the association. Presenting members’ concerns systematically, keeping them informed of progress and maintaining dialogue on shared issues can make representation meaningful. Leadership access delivers value when ordinary members can see and experience its benefits.

A transparent dispute resolution mechanism should also be an important part of election manifestos. Timely hearings, impartiality and clearly defined procedures can strengthen confidence when disagreements arise between dealers and clients. Efforts to secure reconciliation should also respect the parties’ legal rights and their freedom to approach the appropriate forums.

The participation of younger dealers and those running smaller businesses deserves attention as well. Training sessions, digital marketing guidance, awareness of document verification and mentoring by experienced professionals could provide valuable support. Electoral outreach should extend across the membership rather than remain confined to a handful of prominent offices.

Language and conduct during the campaign will also test the quality of leadership. Criticism on social media should focus on performance, manifestos and decisions. Personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations can damage business relationships. Candidates should remember that they will continue working within the same community once the contest is over.

Ultimately, voters will determine the association’s direction. Alongside personal relationships, they should weigh integrity, accessibility, competence and performance. Informed voting and a respectful campaign can help bring forward leadership capable of translating members’ trust into consistent, practical service.

For millions of Pakistanis, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, turning that dream into reality can sometimes put their entire life savings at risk. Many buyers investing in residential and commercial projects face problems such as delayed possession, additional charges, unfulfilled promises and difficulties in obtaining refunds. Under these circumstances, a critical question arises: Who is responsible for effectively protecting the rights of real estate consumers?
Pakistan has various regulatory authorities responsible for overseeing construction activities and property transactions. However, the system for the prompt and effective resolution of buyers’ complaints continues to suffer from significant shortcomings. Different laws across various regions and complexities involving the jurisdiction of regulatory authorities make access to justice even more difficult for consumers.
Some housing societies and construction companies advertise modern facilities, prime locations and guaranteed possession within specified timelines. Buyers invest substantial amounts based on these assurances, only to face delays in project completion, slow development work or unexpected demands for additional payments.
The situation becomes particularly serious when buyers fail to receive possession of their plots or apartments despite making full or partial payments. In some cases, recovering their money involves lengthy waiting periods, legal notices and court proceedings. During this time, their investments remain tied up, while rising inflation further increases their financial difficulties.
Another major weakness lies in property purchase agreements. Some contracts clearly outline buyers’ payment obligations but contain vague or one-sided provisions regarding project completion, possession delays, refund policies and developers’ responsibilities.
In August 2026, misleading advertisements, hidden charges and false claims regarding project approvals emerged as major concerns during a hearing related to the real estate sector conducted by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). These concerns highlight the need for greater transparency in property advertisements, contractual agreements and financial transactions to ensure consumer protection.
To address these challenges, every relevant development authority should make updated information about approved and unapproved projects easily accessible to the public. Developers should also be required to clearly disclose the legal status of their projects, land ownership details, expected completion dates and refund conditions.
Additionally, a dedicated, accessible and affordable complaint-resolution mechanism should be established for property buyers. Such a system should ensure that disputes involving delayed possession, unlawful charges and breaches of contractual obligations are resolved within a specified timeframe. Where permitted by law, affected buyers should also have effective options for obtaining appropriate compensation and refunds.
Consumers themselves also have an important responsibility. Before investing in any real estate project, buyers should verify the No Objection Certificate (NOC), approved building or development plans and legal ownership of the land with the relevant authority. They should also carefully review contractual terms and ensure that all commitments are documented in writing rather than relying on verbal assurances.
Sustainable confidence in Pakistan’s real estate market can only be established when buyers’ investments, legal rights and timely possession are genuinely protected. The government and relevant regulatory authorities must recognise that the growth of the construction sector depends not only on launching new projects but also on restoring the confidence of citizens who have already invested their hard-earned savings.
Protecting property buyers is therefore not merely a regulatory responsibility; it is essential for building a transparent, accountable and trustworthy real estate sector in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s real estate sector attracts billions of rupees in investment every year, but behind glossy advertisements, ambitious master plans and promises of high returns lies a persistent problem: property fraud and misleading marketing. For many buyers, particularly those investing their life savings, failure to verify a project before making a payment can turn the dream of owning property into a prolonged financial and legal struggle.
One of the most common risks is the marketing of housing schemes or projects that have not obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant development authorities. Promotional campaigns may present projects as established residential communities even when their legal status, land ownership or development permissions remain incomplete. Buyers attracted by relatively low prices and instalment plans can therefore commit substantial amounts before discovering regulatory problems.
Misleading advertising can take several forms. Developers and marketing companies may advertise facilities such as schools, hospitals, commercial centres, parks, wide roads, uninterrupted utilities and gated security that have yet to be developed. Computer-generated images and elaborate master plans can create an impression of a fully planned community, while the reality on the ground may be significantly different.
Another major concern is the sale of files, booking forms or plot allocations without clearly explaining what the buyer actually owns. Consumers may assume they are purchasing a specific, legally identifiable plot when they are effectively buying a promise of future allotment. Problems can become more serious when the same property is sold to multiple buyers, ownership documents are manipulated or the developer does not possess sufficient land to fulfil commitments made to investors.
Social media has added another dimension to the problem. Property advertisements can now reach thousands of potential buyers within hours. Influencers, property dealers and digital marketing campaigns may promote projects using claims of guaranteed returns, rapidly increasing prices or limited-time investment opportunities. Such tactics can pressure consumers into paying booking amounts without conducting adequate due diligence.
The responsibility, however, does not rest with buyers alone. Development authorities and other regulators need effective mechanisms to identify unauthorised projects, prevent deceptive advertising and make approval information easily accessible to the public. Action taken after thousands of people have already invested may be too late to prevent substantial losses.
Developers, estate agents and marketing companies should also be required to clearly disclose a project's approval status and distinguish between facilities that already exist and those that are merely proposed. Claims about expected returns, possession dates and future development should have a reasonable and verifiable basis.
For buyers, verification remains the strongest first line of defence. Before paying a booking fee or signing an agreement, investors should confirm the project's approval status directly with the relevant authority, verify land ownership, examine contractual terms and retain records of payments and advertisements.
Pakistan needs a real estate market where investment decisions are based on verified information rather than exaggerated promises. Greater transparency, stronger enforcement and informed buyers can help transform property investment from a speculative gamble into a safer and more credible transaction.

DHA Lahore’s Phase 9 Prism has emerged as one of the city’s major residential and commercial developments, with the opening of possession for plots in 2026 marking the beginning of a new phase of development and construction activity. The latest developments indicate that the process of handing over possession to plot owners across different sectors is moving forward in phases, paving the way for increased residential, commercial and business activity in the future.

In May 2026, DHA Lahore completed two major phases related to the opening of possession in Phase 9 Prism. The first phase covered Sector A and Commercial Zones A and C, while the second included residential plots in Sectors J, L and M, along with Commercial Zones L and M. The first phase involved 743 residential plots in Sector A and a total of 150 commercial plots in the relevant commercial zones. The second phase covered 2,747 residential plots in Sector J, 1,293 in Sector L and 1,043 in Sector M, along with 50 commercial units.

The development is significant because the opening of possession enables plot owners to move ahead with construction and begin turning vacant plots into functional residential and commercial properties. For DHA Lahore, the possession process is not merely about handing over plots; it is also an important step toward transforming Phase 9 Prism into an active urban community. However, the possession and construction status of any specific plot should be verified through its plot number and the latest official DHA records.

The significance of Phase 9 Prism is also linked to its location and connectivity with major road networks. According to DHA’s master plan, the development is connected to several important routes, including Lahore Ring Road, Bedian Road, Kamahan Road and Kamahan-Lidher Road. The master plan also provides for residential sectors alongside parks, schools, hospitals, colleges, a theme park, apartments and other urban facilities.

The planned urban infrastructure further includes a golf course, theme park, a major mosque, residential accommodation for government officials and modern commercial and civic facilities. DHA has also allocated several sites across Phase 9 Prism for mixed-use and JV/BOT developments, including locations in Sectors J, Q and R as well as the Oval Complex.

Infrastructure development is also progressing in the scheme. DHA Lahore, for instance, issued a tender for infrastructure development works in a newly planned area of Sector R at an estimated cost of around PKR 245 million. The scope includes civil works, public health infrastructure, electrical works, fire alarm systems, CCTV and other related facilities.

The latest developments in Phase 9 Prism therefore extend beyond the opening of possession. The next stage will depend on the pace of construction, infrastructure development, commercial activity and delivery of civic facilities. From a real estate perspective, the future trajectory of the development will be closely linked to the pace of urbanisation, accessibility, occupancy, commercial activity and the practical completion of planned amenities.

Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. When purchasing a house, apartment, plot or any other type of real estate, buyers usually focus on the price, location and ownership documents. But in reality, checking the paperwork alone is not enough. The property’s actual market value, potential legal disputes, payment method and the precautions taken throughout the purchase process are equally important.
A property bought with hard-earned money can turn into a source of financial loss, litigation or a prolonged legal dispute if it is purchased without proper research. Buyers should therefore keep several basic principles in mind before finalising any real estate transaction.
One of the most common mistakes buyers make is treating an unusually low price as an opportunity and rushing to close the deal. But when a property is being offered significantly below the prevailing market rate, it should raise questions rather than excitement. For example, if similar properties in an area are generally valued at around Rs100 million and someone offers the same type of property for Rs25 million or Rs30 million, the first question should be: why is it being sold so cheaply?
In some cases, a seller may simply need to sell urgently. But an unusually low price can also be linked to an ownership dispute, ongoing litigation, inheritance issues, outstanding debt, a mortgage or another legal complication. Instead of making a quick decision simply because the price appears attractive, buyers should investigate the reason behind the discount. They should also compare prices of similar properties in the same locality to determine the prevailing market value.
Property buyers are also sometimes advised to consider involving bank financing in the transaction, even when they have sufficient funds to make the purchase themselves. One reason is that banks generally conduct their own assessment before approving financing. They may examine ownership, title documents, relevant records and other legal aspects of the property before deciding whether to extend financing.
Such scrutiny can provide the buyer with additional information about the property. However, approval of bank financing should not be treated as a final guarantee that the property is completely free from legal risks. Buyers should still conduct their own independent due diligence and seek professional legal advice where necessary.
Another critical consideration is the method of payment. Buyers should preferably pay the purchase price through a bank transfer, cheque, demand draft or another traceable digital or banking channel that creates a formal record of the transaction.
Undocumented cash payments can create serious difficulties later. In the event of a dispute, it may be difficult to establish how much money was paid, to whom it was paid and for what purpose. By contrast, payments made through formal banking channels leave a verifiable trail that can become important evidence in the event of a financial or legal dispute.
Checking property documents is undoubtedly an essential part of the purchasing process, but buyers should not consider the matter settled simply after seeing a file or registry. Before purchasing a property, they should verify its ownership and title, relevant government records, pending litigation, mortgages or outstanding loans, inheritance claims and any other potential legal restrictions.
If the property is located within a housing scheme or private development, buyers should also verify its approval status with the relevant authority, including the approved layout plan, development status, construction permissions and other applicable requirements.
Rushing into a property transaction can often prove costly. This is particularly true when a seller pressures a buyer by claiming that the property will immediately be sold to someone else unless payment is made at once. In such circumstances, buyers should avoid making decisions under emotional or financial pressure. Taking additional time to verify all relevant information can prevent much bigger problems later.
Property purchases are rarely decisions that should be made within a few hours or days. For many people, they represent an investment of a lifetime. Instead of relying on an unusually low price, urgency or verbal assurances, buyers should establish the market value, verify the legal status, thoroughly examine the documents, investigate potential disputes, consult a qualified legal professional when necessary and ensure that payments are made through a verifiable channel.
Ultimately, a secure property purchase is not simply one in which the documents appear complete. It is a transaction in which the property’s ownership, legal status, market value and financial dealings have all been properly examined and verified.
A few additional days of research and due diligence can protect years of hard-earned savings from potentially devastating financial and legal losses.

Pakistan’s housing sector is witnessing increased activity as population growth, urban expansion and rising demand for residential facilities continue to drive the development of new housing projects across the country. Alongside major metropolitan areas, emerging cities are also experiencing the launch of modern residential developments aimed at providing improved living facilities according to changing lifestyle needs.
The real estate sector remains a significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy, supporting construction activity, employment generation and investment opportunities while also playing an important role in the development of urban infrastructure. In recent years, housing trends have expanded beyond traditional residential plots, with increasing interest in apartments, gated communities, commercial zones and mixed-use developments.
New residential projects are currently being developed in major cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. These developments are increasingly incorporating modern facilities such as wider roads, green spaces, security systems, community centres, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Developers are now focusing not only on providing housing units but also on creating complete urban environments.
In Lahore, expanding urban boundaries have encouraged the development of new housing projects in suburban areas, where residential communities and apartment projects are being introduced to meet growing demand. Similarly, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are witnessing the emergence of modern residential developments that are attracting interest due to better planning, natural surroundings and improved lifestyle facilities.
In Karachi, limited land availability and increasing population density have contributed to growing interest in vertical development, including apartment projects and high-rise residential buildings. Developers are introducing new housing models to make more efficient use of available urban land while addressing the accommodation needs of a growing population.
Technology has also become an important component of modern housing projects. Digital property management systems, online booking platforms, smart security solutions and energy-efficient technologies are increasingly being incorporated into residential developments. Developers are also focusing on solar energy solutions, improved water management systems and environmentally sustainable construction practices to meet future requirements.
However, experts emphasize that transparency and proper planning remain essential for the sustainable growth of the housing sector. They highlight the importance of ensuring legal approvals, accurate land records, development standards and the availability of basic facilities in new projects to protect the interests of buyers and investors.
The government has also introduced various measures over time to support the housing and construction sectors, including steps aimed at facilitating construction activities and promoting urban development initiatives. Effective policymaking and a stronger regulatory framework can help the real estate sector grow in a more organized and sustainable manner.
The increasing pace of new housing projects in Pakistan reflects a changing urban development landscape. In the future, projects that provide not only residential spaces but also sustainable, secure and well-planned communities are expected to play a greater role in shaping the country’s cities and improving quality of life.

Pakistan’s major cities are witnessing a steady increase in high-rise buildings, residential developments, commercial plazas and housing societies. But urban progress cannot be measured simply by the number of new structures rising across city skylines. A more important question is whether these buildings are safe, legally compliant and constructed in accordance with established standards. This is where effective enforcement of building codes becomes critical.
The Building Code of Pakistan 2021, developed by the Pakistan Engineering Council, sets out key requirements governing the construction, alteration, extension, repair, use, maintenance and demolition of buildings. Its purpose extends beyond regulating construction practices; it is fundamentally aimed at protecting the lives and property of people who live and work in these structures. The code addresses areas including structural safety, safe means of access and exit, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and protection against fire and other hazards.
Pakistan’s challenge, however, is not merely the existence or absence of building regulations. The more significant issue is their effective enforcement. Approval of a building plan should not mark the end of regulatory oversight. Authorities need to ensure throughout different stages of construction that work remains consistent with approved plans, structural designs and prescribed safety requirements.
Responsibility for enforcement is also not confined to a single institution. Under Pakistan’s Fire Safety Provisions 2016, building control bodies, housing and development authorities, district and municipal administrations, cantonment administrations and other relevant public authorities have roles within their respective jurisdictions. Effective building control therefore requires clearly defined responsibilities, institutional coordination and consistent regulatory oversight.
Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of building regulation. In the event of a fire in a high-rise building, the availability of a fire brigade alone cannot guarantee public safety. Proper emergency exits, fire alarm systems, fire-control measures and building designs that allow occupants to evacuate safely are essential. Pakistan’s Fire Safety Provisions 2016 provides a framework of relevant safety and enforcement requirements for both new and existing buildings.
Seismic risk is another factor that cannot be overlooked. The Pakistan Engineering Council has also incorporated seismic provisions into the country’s building regulatory framework. As the level of earthquake risk varies across different parts of Pakistan, structural design needs to take local seismic conditions and associated risks into account.
Effective enforcement of building codes is therefore not simply an issue for the construction industry; it is a matter of urban governance and public safety. Pakistan needs a transparent and effective monitoring system that extends from the approval of building plans through construction and completion to the eventual occupation and use of a property. Unauthorized additional floors, deviations from approved plans and violations of safety requirements should be identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Pakistan does not simply need more buildings; it needs safer buildings. Strong building codes are essential, but their consistent and impartial enforcement is even more important. Building regulations are not merely provisions written on paper. When properly enforced, they can make the difference between safety and catastrophe when a building is confronted by fire, an earthquake or another emergency.

Recent action against illegal housing societies in Islamabad has once again raised a critical question: How do such societies emerge in the federal capital, who is responsible for monitoring them, and what role should state institutions play in protecting the hard-earned savings of citizens?
In recent months, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed offices of several illegal housing societies, issued show-cause notices and warned the public to invest only in approved housing projects. According to the CDA, dozens of housing and agro-farming schemes in Islamabad do not have approved layout plans or No Objection Certificates (NOCs), yet continue to market and sell plots to the public.
This raises an important question: What exactly is the CDA’s role? In Islamabad, the CDA has the primary responsibility for regulating land use, implementing the master plan, approving housing societies and layout plans, issuing NOCs, and enforcing zoning and construction regulations. A housing society must obtain the required approvals from the CDA to operate legally. If a society sells plots without authorization or carries out illegal construction, the CDA has powers to seal its offices, initiate legal proceedings and take enforcement action.
On the other hand, the role of the local government or Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation is also important. Although major land-use and housing-related matters in Islamabad fall within the CDA’s jurisdiction, local government bodies can contribute to improving sanitation, environmental management, basic municipal services, local development and public complaint mechanisms. Union councils and local representatives can also help identify illegal construction and unauthorized development at an early stage.
The real issue, however, is not simply the sealing of illegal housing societies but the need for timely and effective monitoring. In many cases, a society continues selling plots for years, collecting billions of rupees from citizens, before it eventually becomes clear that the project lacks the necessary legal approvals. The consequences are ultimately borne by ordinary citizens, whose lifetime savings can be put at risk.
Experts believe the solution lies not only in enforcement operations but also in establishing a robust digital system through which citizens can quickly verify the legal status of any housing society. Better coordination among the CDA, local government, law-enforcement agencies and courts is equally essential to prevent illegal schemes from operating unchecked.
Islamabad is a planned city, and maintaining its orderly development and character requires sustained action against illegal housing societies. Because land is not merely a business or investment—it is a matter of the future, financial security and trust of millions of citizens.