PM ensures full support to business community to invest in construction sector

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the business community should invest in the construction sector, the government will provide all possible support.

He expressed these views while presiding over the weekly meeting of the National Coordination Committee for Housing, Construction and Development. The meeting was attended by 13 representatives of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) via video link.

The meeting reviewed in detail the incentives given by the government in the construction sector and the progress of the activities initiated as a result.

Representatives of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) participating in the meeting paid tributes to the Prime Minister for providing historic incentives and facilities by the government in the construction sector.

Representatives of ABAD said that for the first time in the history of the country, builders and developers are being encouraged by private banks for construction activities, the credit of which undoubtedly goes to the present government and SBP.

Facilitating the NOC and licensing process has encouraged the construction business community. The 13 representatives of ABAD present at the meeting assured to start various projects in the next three to four months which would result in economic activity of Rs. 1370 billion.

The projects include the construction of about 100,000 residential units. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the assurance given by ABAD to take full advantage of the concessions given in the construction sector and start economic activities worth billions of rupees. Significant progress has been made by Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in implementing the Prime Minister’s vision for the construction sector and in providing facilities for developers and builders.

A modern portal has been set up by Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to make the application process for NOCs and other approvals in the construction sector online and to ensure that applications that have been delayed for years are dealt within a matter of days.

The Chief Secretary Punjab presented a practical demonstration of the portal to the Prime Minister. A detailed briefing was given to ensure implementation.

The Prime Minister was informed that for the convenience of builders and developers, e-service centres have been set up in 9 divisions of Punjab where one window facility is being provided. By August 14, the scope of e-service centres will be extended to all districts.

The Prime Minister was informed that thanks to the portal, developers and builders would be able to submit applications and related documents online from their homes and offices to ensure timely decision-making.

The Prime Minister appreciated the performance of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in setting up and activating the portal. The Prime Minister directed other provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to provide similar portal and one-window facility.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the purpose of the portal, mobile application and online system is to minimize human interference in the system and to ensure transparency and efficiency of the entire system.

The Prime Minister directed that the helpline at the federal level should play its full role in ensuring timely provision of facilities like electricity and gas in new constructions especially in housing units and housing colonies and commercial buildings.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the construction sector should be promoted to eliminate the negative effects of Corona on the national economy, accelerate the economic process and provide jobs to the youth and fulfil their dream of a roof over their heads. It plays a key role, so it is one of the top priorities of the government.

The Prime Minister said that all possible facilities are being provided to the construction sector. The business community associated with the construction sector should take full advantage of these facilities.

The business community should invest in the construction sector, the government is committed to all possible cooperation, said the Premier.

The Prime Minister directed all the Chief Secretaries to ensure strict action against the government officials who were obstructing the government’s priorities and those who were causing difficulties in providing facilities like electricity and gas.

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