Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of the Ministry of Housing's ongoing projects. He directed the completion of federal low-cost housing projects at the earliest, emphasizing private sector collaboration to attract increased investment.
The PM instructed the Ministry of Housing to prepare a comprehensive plan for providing world-class facilities, and mandated the approval of the National Housing Policy by March. He stressed the importance of selecting internationally renowned construction companies through a transparent and merit-based process, directing project completion within stipulated timelines.
Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the dissolution of the Public Works Department (PWD) and other inactive institutions, noting a marked reduction in corruption. He welcomed the digitalisation of the government housing allotment system for employees, calling it a significant reform.
"Every possible step will be taken to provide low-cost housing to every citizen," the PM assured, adding that reforms were underway to reduce corruption in the projects to provide low-cost housing to citizens.
Shehbaz stated that international cricket, conferences, and other events are being organised in the country, boosting its standing on the world stage. He announced plans to establish world-class hotels, hospitals, and facilities for international visitors and directed the implementation of third-party validation for federal housing construction projects to ensure quality and transparency.
Progress in FBR digitalisation
In a separate meeting focused on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), PM Shehbaz Sharif lauded recent progress in digitalisation and reforms. He directed the implementation of the faceless assessment system, initially introduced in Karachi, to other cities promptly.
"The introduction of a minimal human-intervention customs system is a milestone in the FBR's digitalisation journey," the PM said, urging the shift towards artificial intelligence to further reduce human involvement.
He also directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for expanding the track-and-trace system to more industrial sectors.
