Banks demand one-window housing plan

Session proposes working group, vertical housing to address challenges

RAWALPINDI:

Commercial banks have recommended a one-window documentation operation at the Rawalpindi Development Authority to simplify and expedite the prime minister's housing programme, officials said on Thursday.

The proposal came during a consultative session organised by the State Bank of Pakistan's Rawalpindi office to address implementation challenges facing the 'Ghar Ho Tou Apna, Apna Ghar Programme'. The session was attended by representatives from 25 commercial banks, RDA officials, a delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, students and representatives from 34 housing societies.

Chief Manager Rizwan Khaleel Shamsi chaired the session and advised developers and housing societies to promote vertical housing as a sustainable and affordable solution. He observed that forests and green belts in cities had been converted into housing societies over the past few years, leading to significant environmental challenges. "Vertical urbanisation is the most suitable solution to address environmental concerns while also providing low-cost housing," Shamsi said.

He also shared successful low-cost housing models from various economies and stressed that these policies could be adapted to meet local requirements. During the session, banks raised issues related to documentation and discussed them in detail. Housing societies were given awareness briefings on the scheme's features to enable them to disseminate information among customers.

Banks also called for the appointment of designated focal persons from revenue authorities and RDA to ensure smooth processing. The forum featured open discussions on issues related to mortgage and lien marking, where stakeholders shared their challenges and recommendations.

Senior Deputy Chief Manager Umar Siddique Khattak announced that high-level events would be held in the near future and proposed forming a working group to address challenges and formulate recommendations for promoting affordable housing.