ISLAMABAD: In a bid to modernise asset management and strengthen housing infrastructure, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Pakistan’s Ministry of Housing and Works have agreed to collaborate on the creation of a Land Data Bank that will consolidate information on federal land holdings across the country.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, welcomed an ADB delegation to his office on Thursday to discuss the initiative. The delegation included Hong Soo, Senior Housing Specialist at ADB Headquarters, and Mian Shaukat Shafi, Unit Head Urban and Lead Officer at ADB’s Pakistan Resident Mission.
During the meeting, Minister Pirzada expressed gratitude for ADB’s continued support in enhancing Pakistan’s housing and real estate sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, efficient resource utilisation, and attracting investment through data-driven systems. He also highlighted the importance of ADB’s technical and financial assistance in achieving these goals.
Secretary Housing, Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, explained that the proposed Land Data Bank would provide accurate and accessible records of federal assets. He pointed out that many government-owned lands are vulnerable to encroachment, resulting in significant losses. The new system, equipped with GIS-based features, will help assess commercial value, attract private investment, and promote optimal land use.
The secretary also acknowledged ADB’s feedback on the draft National Housing Policy 2025 and proposed that the Bank serve as a technical partner and guarantor, particularly for private sector-led projects. He outlined several areas for collaboration, including housing subsidies, mortgage and finance structures, green and climate-resilient construction, urban regeneration, low-cost housing models, and data banks for planning and monitoring.
ADB representatives shared insights on thematic priorities and target groups, expressing interest in deepening cooperation. They advocated for reforms in the housing subsidy framework and encouraged the adoption of community-based urban infrastructure models, citing Singapore’s approach as a successful example.
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The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable housing development, improved asset management, and inclusive urban growth across Pakistan.
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