PM reviews progress on Naya Pakistan Housing Project

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan, while reviewing progress on Naya Pakistan Housing Project for low-income citizens, termed the housing sector a priority for the government.

The prime minister said said promotion of the housing sector would not only boost 40 related industries, but also ensure provision of job opportunities to youth and skilled labour.

PM Imran Khan directed the provincial governments to work out reduction of taxes to promote the housing and construction sector.

He directed to pace up reviewing of master-plans of all big cities to chart out a comprehensive strategy on accommodation of population and provision of civic facilities.

The prime minister asked the provincial secretaries to gather information within one week about the unused public land where houses for low-income families could be set up after due planning.

Chairman of Naya Pakistan Housing Authority gave a briefing on steps taken for implementation of the housing project.

He informed the prime minister that tax levied on construction phase would be abolished, for which the matter is under consideration for approval by the provinces.

The meeting was told that steps are underway to reduce the rate of Capital Value Tax and issuance of e-stamp papers to facilitate people related to housing and construction sector.

About the ease-of-doing-business in housing, the prime minister was apprised that an online portal by the provincial governments would be launched which will link up the government departments relevant to housing sector.

The step will save the businessmen and traders from visiting different offices to receive No Objection Certificates.

The chairman said request has been made with provinces to point out land for establishment of housing projects for low-income persons.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over progress on steps taken for housing sector. The meeting was attended by Chairman Federal Bureau of Revenue, provincial chief secretaries and relevant senior officials.