Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for sweeping reforms in Pakistan’s housing sector, warning that rapid population growth and unchecked urban expansion were putting increasing pressure on agricultural land.

Chairing a high-level meeting on housing sector reforms, the prime minister said the government’s priorities included affordable housing for low-income groups, promotion of low-cost housing schemes, greater private sector participation and improved public amenities.

He directed authorities to digitise and automate housing-related processes to improve transparency, governance and investor confidence.

Shehbaz said a clear regulatory framework was essential to attract overseas investment and ensure sustainable growth in the real estate and development sectors.

Officials briefed the meeting on proposals aimed at simplifying regulations for credible investors and developers while increasing transparency in housing projects.

The meeting was informed that mandatory registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan had been proposed for all entities operating in the housing and development sector.

Participants also discussed measures to curb unplanned urban sprawl by encouraging vertical expansion and high-rise construction in major cities to make more efficient use of land.

Proposals for master town planning and a one-window system to protect the rights of developers, buyers and other stakeholders also came under discussion.

The prime minister directed authorities to consult provincial governments before finalising the proposed reforms and policy measures.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and other senior officials.