Standardising taxes in construction sector: PM briefed about FBR-provinces talks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Wednesday that discussions between Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial authorities on standardising taxes in the construction sector are ongoing, while consultations on draft reforms for home mortgages continue.

During a meeting of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Works, chaired by the PM, officials presented the ministry’s strategic roadmap, outlining efforts to overhaul the housing sector and strengthen regulatory oversight.

The officials said that reforms are being introduced to streamline the tax structure for the construction industry, a step considered crucial for attracting investment and supporting large-scale housing initiatives.

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In his remarks, the PM emphasised that expanding housing opportunities for low-income groups, promoting affordable housing projects, and incentivising private sector participation remain central to the government’s agenda.

“Practical measures must be taken to effectively provide house finance facilities to the common man,” he said, signalling a continued focus on inclusive housing policies.

Officials also briefed the PM on a plan to construct homes for low-income families through public-private partnerships.

The proposed establishment of a Real Estate Regulatory Authority was highlighted as a measure to regulate and monitor the real estate and housing sectors more effectively.

Regarding housing finance, officials noted that discussions are continuing among the Ministry of Finance, the FBR, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and provincial housing ministries, particularly on the development of a Real Estate Investment Trust to mobilise private sector investment in housing.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Pirzada, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiani, along with other senior officials.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026