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Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Low-cost housing: need for prudence
There is an ongoing housing crisis in several European countries attributed to locals renting out to tourists, prompting anti-tourism protests in Spain and Portugal, while in Pakistan all administrations, have colluded with the influential real estate sector by extending fiscal and monetary incentives including amnesty schemes with the stated objective of easing the housing shortage, promote growth (as this sector jumpstarts output of other sectors) while generating employment opportunities. The status quo PML-N supplemented this elitist policy first by bestowing 5- to 10-marla government land (though it was never revealed how much land was given away and whether the recipients were low-grade government employees rather than the vulnerable or disenfranchised); and, more recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his niece Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz used the taxpayers' money to build low-cost housing (again the target beneficiaries are not known). A study on the 2017 census by Arif Hasan with Hamza Arif titled Pakistan: the causes and repercussions of the housing crisis highlighted the prevalence of three factors. First, urban housing demand is 350,000 units with 217,000 for lower-income groups, 87,500 for lower-middle income groups, and the remaining 10 per cent for higher and upper middle-income groups. Formal supply per year is 150,000 units. Second, unmet demand is met through two types of informal settlements – occupation and subdivision of government land (katchi abadis) and informal subdivision of agricultural land on the periphery of urban settlements with provincial governments promoting regularisation and possible improvement of informal settlements. During the last two decades, demand is increasingly being met by densification of existing low and lower middle income settlements. And finally, the nexus between the politicians (inclusive of the senior leadership of all the three major national political parties) and the developers accounts for a rising number of gated communities (elite and middle classes). There is overwhelming evidence that the real estate sector is a major contributor to the parallel black money which accounts for available land/housing beyond the income of even the middle classes and explains why the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme insists on taxing the real estate sector appropriately. Be that as it may, the Seventh Population and Housing Census 2023, the first-ever digital census was carried out by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and reported 38,292,556 households in 2023 with, on average, six members per family though some provinces registered a higher rate, giving a total population of 230 million people. The actual population in 2023 was calculated at around 241 million people. The Table from the census document shows the result of house ownership in each province, rented houses (inclusive of residence provided by government and private employers in the 2017 census but with no more than 2 percent as determined by the 2023 census which was reported as others). The census does not differentiate between katcha houses and others. Two observations on the table are as follows. First, 82 percent of all households in this country own their houses – this of course does not take account of the available amenities notably only 66 percent of total households have access to water inside their homes, and 60.4 percent have households with kitchen facilities (though the facilities vary markedly). And second, 90 percent of those residents in Balochistan own their homes (an enviable percentage unless one factors in that the housing units that provide water inside the house is only 41 percent in Balochistan against 71 percent in Punjab, 64 percent in Sindh and 65 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Around 84 percent of those residents in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa own their own homes, and the percentage in Sindh is much lower at 76 percent. One factor in higher homeownership in Balochistan may be due to the fact that the province not only has the largest percentage of population living in rural areas (where the housing available is rudimentary) but the province witnessed a rise in the percentage resident in rural areas in 2023 census compared to the 2017 census (60 percent against the current 69 percent). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also witnessed a rise in rural population, though it was marginal - from 83 percent in 2017 to 84 percent in 2023 census. Sindh and Punjab both witnessed a percentage decline of population in rural areas – from 48 to 46 percent between the two censuses in Sindh and from 63 to 59 percent in Punjab. Data released by the PBS is frequently criticized by independent economists, and therefore it is important to ascertain the methodology used to collect it and equally importantly whether a post enumeration survey was carried out to reconfirm the findings. The data collection for the digital census 2023 as per the report 'began with the deployment of a web portal for self-enumeration on 20' February, 2023…. Around 2,600,000 individuals submitted their data through the self-enumeration portal till its closing date on 10th March, 2023. The process of listing houses and structures took place between 1st — 10th March, 2023, while the census field enumeration began on 12th March, 2023, with an initial completion date of 4th April, 2023.' There are always pitfalls in data reliant on self-enumeration with an additional element of an experimenter's bias. Post Enumeration Survey (PES) of Digital Census 2023 was reportedly conducted from 8th to 19th July, 2023, and a sample of 2500 Enumeration Blocks was selected from 48 administrative districts (overall level) with relative margin of error of 1.1%. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling where strata within provinces were made on the basis of similar characteristics like growth rates, population, etc. While one can support the principle behind undertaking PES yet one wonders if 10 days are sufficient for the exercise to be carried out countrywide. Housing crisis is not limited to developing countries like Pakistan and migration, refugees and rentals to tourists are causing housing shortages with the UN Habitat stating that the world needs 96,000 affordable houses each day to house the 3 billion who would need housing by 2030. To conclude, in Pakistan one would urge the federal and provincial governments to allocate low-cost housing under construction as well as the housing available to government employees to the vulnerable. As Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) periodically reassesses the eligibility of beneficiaries, it must be the preferred mechanism for not only extending all subsidies (as per an IMF condition) but also low-cost housing. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Provision of items on control price is top priority'
LAHORE: Secretary Price Control and Commodity Management Department Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has said that Govt. will not compromise on provision of quality of items on control price on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has has taken serious notice on the high price. They have directed that local administration will ensure to provide quality items on control price. They will make surprise visits to ensure quality items on control price. He was addressing during his visit to Kahna Kacha Market and Sahulat Bazar Wahdat Colony. Secretary Price Control Dr. Ehsan Bhutta had meeting in Market Committee office kahna to check computerized price machine which was out of order. He directed the Secretary market committee to get it repaired and operational immediately. He then visited sheds of Onion, Potatoes & Banana to witness boli system at spot and discussed issues with Arties. He checked cold storages of Bananas too. He desired to have the cleanliness of the whole Mandi including waste bins, sheds etc and ensured drinking water etc. He also checked computerized entry system at gate and directed to gave all entries electronically so that to minimize chances of pilferage. Secretary Market Committee assured to fulfill all directions and Deputy Director Headquarter will submit the compliance report. Later, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta also visited Sahulat Bazar Wahdat Colony. He checked shops and sahulat stalls where special discount given on 10 items before Eid. Checked washrooms cleanliness, CCTV room. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta also directed to provide drinking water and fans as lot of hot weather. He also desired to ensure cleanliness and proper security arrangements. Sahulat Bazar CEO Naveed Rafaqat, Directors and DD Faisal were present alongwith manager wahdat Colony model bazar. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Industries to pay for pollution
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive plan for the restoration, management and reform of the drainage systems throughout the province. The environmental protection department and district administrations have been strictly directed to ensure legal enforcement of the Punjab Drainage and Local Government Acts. A province-wide operation has been approved to prevent the discharge of toxic water and chemicals into Punjab's drains. Under environmental protection guidelines, the 'polluters pay' principle will be strictly enforced, holding polluting industries accountable for environmental damage. A ban has been imposed on the disposal of industrial and municipal waste into all drains across Punjab, including the Hadyara Drain. As a Drainage Restoration and Management Committee commenced implementation of the measures, in the first meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, a detailed briefing was given on the Hadyara Drain. The environmental protection department was tasked with strict enforcement actions around the Hadyara area. A crackdown will be initiated against factories that fail to install water treatment plants and continue to discharge chemical waste into the drain. The health department was instructed to submit a report and plan regarding public health conditions around Hadyara. WASA, along with the departments of industry and irrigation were directed to take immediate action to improve the conditions. A survey of the drainage system across the province will be conducted to identify flaws and propose solutions. Approval was granted for a plan to repair and upgrade the drainage system. Moreover, it was decided to enhance the wastewater management infrastructure through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The provincial senior minister said key environmental projects have been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). Meanwhile, during a meeting with Punjab Assembly Members Muhammad Ahmed Khan Leghari and Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha to discuss welfare projects, public problems and development issues of their constituencies, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz termed education and financial independence of the youth her top priorities. She said, "We want to bring benefits of development to every section of the province." The MPAs thanked the chief minister for starting the construction and expansion project of the Multan-Vehari road. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to start classes in the Vehari Girls College after the summer break. She also directed the authorities to launch a water supply scheme for Fort Munro. In her message on the Global Day of Parents, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Today, do remember those children whose parents sacrificed their precious lives for the security of our beloved homeland." She added, "I also pay tribute to those parents whose children were martyred."
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Murree sets up cattle market for Eidul Azha
The Murree district administration has set up a dedicated cattle market to facilitate citizens ahead of Eidul Azha. The market was inaugurated recently at the ground located below Jheka Gali on Hill Dholu Road, one of the most picturesque spots in Murree city, where the Municipal Corporation has organised the facility. The Municipal Corporation has urged livestock sellers and buyers from the local community to cooperate with the administration and bring their animals to the designated market. Issuing official instructions, Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi emphasised that the cattle market has been established at a specific location to ensure cleanliness during the Eid festivities. He further warned that no cattle markets would be allowed on other roads or areas, and that a strict action would be taken against anyone violating these regulations. On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has finalised cleaning arrangements, including the removal of waste ahead of Eid under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's vision and "Suthra Punjab Programme". Following the directives of RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar, a grand cleaning operation is underway across all tehsils of the Rawalpindi Division. This operation includes specialised waste clearance and sanitation efforts in city streets, highways, markets, residential areas, and cattle markets, running round the clock. With Eidul Azha approaching, waste lifting, manual sweeping, lime sprinkling, and immediate cleaning are being conducted daily in all cattle markets of Rawalpindi, including Murree, under a coordinated strategy. The operation manager in Murree, Talha Mir, is supervising the sanitary workers actively deployed in the field. RWMC CEO Safdar is closely monitoring the "Clean Punjab Programme" in the division and reviewing daily field reports.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM unveils education, uplift initiatives in South Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled a series of significant development and education initiatives during a ceremony in Layyah on Thursday, where she distributed laptops and Honhar scholarship cheques. In her address, the CM announced the establishment of a medical college in Layyah and allocated Rs3 billion for the development of universities in Dera Ghazi Khan and Layyah. She also declared the creation of the Nawaz Sharif Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Education in both cities. Highlighting her commitment to educational reform, the CM announced a massive Rs110 billion plan to provide basic facilitiesclassrooms, toilets, and clean waterto all schools in Punjab within a year. "No school in Punjab will be deprived of essential facilities," she said. Maryam Nawaz also lauded the Pakistan Army's success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, extending congratulations to Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Babar Zaheer Sindhu. She paid tribute to the sacrifices of military personnel, emphasising national unity and youth empowerment. "The youth must become a fortress for Pakistan. If they stand strong, no force can defeat us," she stated. "I want every hardworking student to feel supported. If parents lack resources, the state must act like a mother." The Honhar scholarship amount was raised from Rs30, to Rs50,000, and the number of distributed laptops increased to 100,000. "These are your rights, not favours," she told the students. Concluding her address, she urged youth to reject sedition and uphold national values. "Those who lead youth astray have abandoned them. Let us stand with development, unity, and the dignity of our institutions." Earlier, the CM met with the outgoing Country Director of the World Bank, Najy Benhassine, reaffirming the province's long-standing partnership with the international financial institution and paying tribute to his contributions since assuming the role in 2020. During the meeting held in Lahore, the Chief Minister warmly welcomed Benhassine and praised his efforts in strengthening development cooperation between the World Bank and Pakistan, particularly Punjab.
