Emphasis on affordable housing, vertical development and one-window operation; proposal to establish working group comprising all stakeholders
Rawalpindi (News Reporter): The State Bank of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, organised an important consultative meeting to promote Prime Minister’s housing initiative “Ghar Ho To Apna, Apna Ghar Programme” and address challenges hindering its effective implementation.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 25 commercial banks, officials of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), a delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), university students, citizens and representatives of 34 housing societies.
The meeting was chaired by State Bank Rawalpindi Chief Manager Rizwan Khalil Shamsi. In his opening remarks, he appreciated the role of commercial banks in promoting the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme and said that developers and housing societies should promote high-rise residential buildings (vertical housing) to provide affordable and sustainable housing facilities.
He said that the conversion of forests and green belts into housing societies in cities over recent years had increased environmental challenges. He added that vertical urban development could prove to be the most effective solution for protecting the environment while providing affordable housing.
The Chief Manager referred to successful affordable housing models in various countries and said these policies could be adopted according to local requirements to achieve effective results in Pakistan.
During the meeting, representatives of commercial banks highlighted issues related to documentation requirements, which were discussed in detail. Banks also provided housing societies with information about various facilities and procedures under the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme so that they could provide accurate guidance to their customers.
Participants recommended introducing a one-window operation at the RDA to simplify and speed up documentation procedures. They also proposed appointing focal persons from revenue authorities and the RDA to ensure timely and effective processing of applications.
Detailed discussions were also held regarding mortgage and lien marking issues, with all relevant institutions sharing their concerns, suggestions and experiences.
On the occasion, Senior Deputy Chief Manager State Bank Rawalpindi Umar Siddiq Khattak announced that more high-level programmes would be organised in the near future. He also proposed the formation of a joint working group comprising all relevant stakeholders to make the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme more effective, promote affordable housing and develop practical solutions and comprehensive recommendations for existing challenges.
Participants expressed their commitment to making Rawalpindi a model city for affordable housing. At the conclusion of the meeting, all participants appreciated the State Bank of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, for organising the important and comprehensive consultative session and termed it a positive step towards promoting the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme.