32 state-owned properties identified for auction: PM told

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said providing inexpensive houses equipped with the latest facilities to the poor people especially the slum dwellers of cities is the foremost priority of the government.

The prime minister chaired a meeting which reviewed the progress made so far to use unutilised land and properties owned by federal government. He said the construction of multi-storey buildings at Katchi Abadis (slum dwellings) will help address the issue of providing shelter to the poor and disadvantaged segments of the society.

On the occasion, the prime minister was informed that the land and properties identified by different ministries and department are located at prime locations of cities including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore estimated to be worth billions of rupees.

The meeting was informed that 27 out of 32 properties are fully available while the process has been started to recover the remaining properties from illegal occupation.

The prime minister was also informed that expatriate Pakistanis and investors have shown great interest in these precious properties at the Dubai Expo.

PM Imran Khan was further informed that the schedule of the auction of these properties will be framed after completing all the processes so that the advertisement campaign could be started both at home and abroad in the first week of next month.

He expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far to bring to use the unutilised land. He said it is an important component of the government’s policy to fully utilise these properties and spend the money for the welfare of the people and building of basic facilities including hospitals and schools.

The prime minister directed that details of all the identified land should be shared with Naya Pakistan Housing Authority so that the appropriate land could be used for the construction of houses for low income groups.

He also directed the ministries to propose necessary legislation that could pave the way for utilisation of properties owned by them for the welfare of the masses. He said this process should be completed in a week time and furnished before the cabinet.

The prime minister also called for addressing hurdles relating to incomplete documents of illgally occupied properties during cooperation with the relevant provincial governments,

The Chairman of Naya Pakistan Housing Authority briefed the prime minister about the progress made so far to execution housing project for low income groups.