Government weighs mandatory SECP registration for housing developers

The government is considering making registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan compulsory for companies operating in the housing and development sector, as part of a broader push to regulate and formalise Pakistan’s real estate industry.

The proposal was reviewed in a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, according to an official statement.

Officials informed the meeting that a regulatory framework is being developed to bring housing and development activities under a more structured oversight system while facilitating credible investors and developers.

Under the proposed framework, SECP registration would be made mandatory for entities working in the housing and development sector to improve transparency and accountability.

The meeting also discussed measures to curb unplanned urban expansion, with a policy shift towards promoting vertical growth and high-rise developments in major cities.

Participants proposed preparing comprehensive master town plans for large urban centres to guide long-term development.

A one-window facilitation system was also proposed to protect the rights of developers, buyers and other stakeholders through streamlined regulatory processes.

The prime minister said housing sector reforms are increasingly necessary due to rapid population growth and rising urban pressure.

He said government priorities include affordable housing schemes, improved public infrastructure and better access to housing for low-income groups.

He also highlighted that unplanned urban sprawl is increasing pressure on agricultural land, requiring a coordinated policy response.

The prime minister stressed the need for digitisation and automation of housing-related systems to enhance transparency and reduce inefficiencies.

He added that regulation of the sector would also help attract overseas investment into real estate.

PM Shehbaz Sharif directed that provincial governments be consulted on the proposed reforms before final decisions are taken.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, along with other cabinet members and senior officials.