Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday launched the federal government's Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, vowing to help the country's long-neglected stratum move from katchi abadis into swiftly constructed flats and high-rises. He said 25,000 housing units will be constructed in the federal capital, 1,10,000 in Balochistan and 6,000 in Azad Kashmir.Pakistan needs 10 million homes but the salaried class does not have the money.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's 210m strong population means that its housing sector is seen as an attractive market for investors. "Investors are lined up to come in, while we're also trying to bring in the private sector and help young entrepreneurs and youth [enter the housing industry]," he said. There is little doubt that the plan is to turn the country's slums into towering high-rises via a revolutionary new construction mechanism invented by the Chinese. No one had ever thought of what would happen to the katchi abadis [large urban settlements consisting of hovels. "40 per cent of Karachi's populace dwells in katchi abadis". "But when one is in the pursuit of something, ways open up. A Chinese company has told the Prime Minister they can make prefabricated homes and build one floor in just one week, so just imagine what they can do for us. "We will give them land, they will swiftly construct flats, and all slums will get converted." Prime Minister Imran Khan said that beneficiaries of the system including a few members of the Federal Board of Revenue are resisting change. "Even in the FBR there are people who are resisting change for their personal interest," the premier said.

The premier said that his government wants to build 5 million homes for the lower strata. "As many as 40 percent of Karachi lives in the...