ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday sought within a week, a comprehensive and coherent plan of action for the execution of PTI’s promise in the manifesto, the construction of low-cost 5 million houses to address the lingering issue.
Chairing a meeting on the construction of affordable houses at the PM Office, the premier said the construction plans were the priority of the government and would not only address this long-standing issue in major cities but would also promote economic growth and create job opportunities.
PM Khan directed the formation of a committee under housing and works secretary to study the international models and come up with a roadmap, in consultation with experts and representatives of concerned departments, while considering all aspects.
He said it should include the legal framework, availability of the land, banking support and raising of required resources for smooth implementation of the project.
The committee would submit its initial recommendations to the prime minister within one week.
The prime minister said there was a need to simultaneously devise a comprehensive mechanism for regulating katchi abadis and slums without dislocating the poor and ensuring provision of all civic amenities to the people in those areas.
The meeting was attended by Yaqoob Izahar, Najeeb Haroon, Arshad Dad, Housing & Works Secretary Dr Imran Zeb Khan, Law Secretary Justice (r) Abdul Shakoor Paracha and other senior officers.
The premier said the private sector should be encouraged and provided maximum facilities to all those who would be partnering with the government in the implementation of the ‘five million housing programme.’