housing and construction portal

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HOUSING SECTOR IN PAKISTAN 

Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world, with 220 million citizens and more than 60 million strong labor force. The country's annual demand of housing is estimated to be about 700,000 units, while only about half of this demand is currently being met. On the whole, the housing deficit is estimated at ten million units, which is growing every year.

 

NAYA PAKISTAN HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NPHDA)

Naya Pakistan housingThe Government of Pakistan has accorded the status of priority to Housing Sector with a plan to construct 5 million Units over coming five years. A special organization called 'Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (NPHDA)' has been established to implement this plan. On 4th April 2020, the Prime Minister has unveiled an attractive package of incentives for construction industry including tax concessions, Government subsidies and simplification of regulatory  framework. Therefore, this sector presents great potential for investment along with opportunities for lucrative returns

 

Board of Investment (BOI)BoI logo

The Board of Investment (BOI) assists companies and investors for speedy materialization of their projects by providing a wide range of services including the following:

•    Grant of permission for Branch Offices and Liaison Office in Pakistan
•    Support the issuance of Work Visas of expatriates working in Companies in Pakistan
•    Facilitate the issuance of Airport Entry Pass for Liaison officers
•    Notification of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development
•    Exemption of import duties and taxes for companies in SEZs
•    Redressal of investors grievances

 

Ministry of InteriorInterior logo

Government of Pakistan has launched Pakistan Online Visa System, which helps in submission of visa application online, payment of the fees and obtaining Visa.  Pakistan Online Visa System is now open for the citizens of 175 Countries. Moreover, facility of "Visa on arrival" for businessmen is also available. For more details please visit  the link.


State Bank Pakistan SBP logo

State Bank is the central bank of Pakistan and regulates Monetary, Credit & Foreign Exchange system of the country under the State Bank of Pakistan-Act 1956, Banking Companies Ordinance 1962 and Foreign Exchange Regulation Act- 1947. The prevailing foreign exchange regime of Pakistan encourages foreign investment into the country (FDI) and allows repatriation of profit / dividend / disinvestment proceeds in line with Investment policy (2013) of the Government of Pakistan. In order to facilitate the potential foreign investors, SBP registers FDI on repatriable basis and designates an Authorized Dealer (Bank) for the purpose of repatriation of investment/dividend. Foreign Investors with commercial presence in Pakistan have complete access to domestic borrowings subject to relevant prudential regulations and other applicable laws. They can also raise foreign borrowings from abroad to finance their domestic business needs to applicable foreign exchange rules and regulations. Detailed instructions about GDI & designation of bank and foreign borrowing can be viewed in  Foreign Exchange at http://www.sbp.org.pk/fe_manual/index.htm

In 2019, the State Bank of Pakistan has also devised a Policy for Low Cost Housing Finance

Focal Person: Wasif Hussain, Joint Director, Email: wasif.hussain@sbp.gov.pk, Contact #: 021-3245-3518

 

Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)SECP Logo

Company Incorporation and E-services: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is a regulator established with the objective of developing a modern and efficient corporate sector, insurance, NBFCs and capital markets. The company can be registered with the SECP either online or offline /manual process. A foreign company can also be registered with the SECP after obtaining NOC from BOI. For online incorporation of a company, the investor is required to visit SECP website at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/. Now, you may also register your company with FBR (NTN registration), EOBI, Punjab Employee Social Security Institution (PESSI)/ Sindh Employee Social Security Institution (SESSI), Labor Department and Excise and Taxation Department of the province of Punjab and Sindh through eService by providing additional information while submitting your incorporation application. Model memorandum of association regarding real estate and construction sector are available on SECP website at https://www.secp.gov.pk/company-formation/memorandumand-articles-of-association/memorandum-of-association/. Further details regarding company incorporation, statutory forms and other related information are available under “company formation” at https://www.secp.gov.pk/

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): SECP also assists in formation of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Management Companies and granting license to carry out REIT Management Services. For further information, kindly follow the https://www.secp.gov.pk/licensing/nbfcs/reit-managementservices/.

Housing Finance Companies (HFCs): SECP also grants licenses to the companies intending to carry on the business of “Housing Finance Services”, as non-bank finance companies. These HFCs provide consumer or commercial finance on conventional or Islamic basis to general public to meet their housing needs. For further information about incorporation and licensing of HFC, you can visit the following link. https://www.secp.gov.pk/licensing/nbfcs/housing-finance-services/. You may also file your queries or complaints by visiting https://sdms.secp.gov.pk. Contact Tel No 051- 9207091-4 or Toll Free No. 0800-88008.

Focal Person: Ms. Khalida Habib, Executive Director, Email: khalida.habilb@secp.gov.pk, Contact #: 051-9100430,03215161057

 

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) FBR Logo

FBR is the National Tax Organization which deals with Income Tax (Corporate, firm, & Personal). Sales Tax (Federal), Federal Excise Duty & Customs. Each business is required to register by obtaining a National Tax Number.  https://www.fbr.gov.pk/categ/register-income-tax/51147/30846/61149

 

Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)PEC Logo

PEC handles functions such as registration of engineers, establishing standards for engineering products and services besides safeguarding the interest of its members. For further assistance please follow the link:  https://www.pec.org.pk/

Focal Person: Engr. Lt. Col® Haq Nawaz, Deputy Registrar, Contact #: 03335267105

Provincial Authorities

Pakistan is a Federation with four provinces. The housing company will need to observe the regulations and fulfill the requirements of the concerned province, whose information is given below:

•    Punjab Housing and Town Planning Authority (PHATA) Lahore, For further assistance https://phata.punjab.gov.pk/, Focal Person, DG, Contact: Tel: 021 9920 7512-3-4

•    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Provincial Housing Authority (PHA), KPK, Peshawar, For further assistance https://www.housingkp.gov.pk/, Focal Person Director, Contact No. Tel: 091 9224376

•    Sindh: Investment Department, Govt. of Sindh, Karachi. Focal Person Secretary, Contact No. Tel: 021 9920 7512-3-4, For further assistance:  https://sindhinvestment.gos.pk/

•    Balochistan: Communication, Works, Physical Planning, Housing Department, Govt. of Balochistan Quetta,  For further assistance, please visit : https://www.balochistan.gov.pk/, Phone No:081-9202374


Islamabad Capital TerritoryCDA Logo

The local housing and land affairs are handled by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). For further information information, please visit http://www.cda.gov.pk/resource_center/procedures.asp