Islamabad by EHSAN BUKHARI
Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) Foundation, Shahid Hussain, has emphasized the urgent need to adopt prefabricated construction techniques as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to Pakistan’s growing housing challenges.
In an exclusive interview with CAPITALNEWSPOINT, Shahid Hussain stated that traditional construction methods—relying on bricks, cement, and steel—are no longer sufficient to meet modern housing demands. “The world has moved towards prefabricated construction, which allows for faster, cheaper, and higher-quality residential development,” he said.
He highlighted that by embracing this modern approach, project completion times can be significantly reduced, and construction costs lowered by up to 30%. He affirmed that PHA Foundation is utilizing all available resources to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects and to provide essential facilities to allottees.
“Transparency, quality, and public welfare are our top priorities,” Shahid Hussain noted, adding that reforms have been introduced at financial, administrative, and technical levels to improve project delivery.
- In Islamabad, longstanding issues related to the Kuri Road Project, graveyards, and parks have been resolved.
- In Sector I-12, the grey structure of all blocks is 95% complete, lifts have arrived, and contractors have been paid.
- Once CDA completes infrastructure work (roads, electricity, and gas), possession will be handed over to allottees.
- In Sector I-16, possession was granted two years ago after additional payments by allottees; installation of lifts (previously delayed at Karachi port) is now underway.
- “We proudly state that almost 100% of allottees have received possession,” he said.
Regarding the PHA Peshawar Residencia Project, which was stalled since its launch in 2019, the CEO confirmed that it has now entered the construction phase following design finalization, agreement signings, and coordination with the KP government and commissioner.
He also shared that a proposal is under consideration to develop residential plots on an additional green belt area in Officers Residencia, Park Road, Islamabad, though no final decision has been made.
In Kuchlak Housing Project, contractor-related issues have been resolved, and remaining matters are expected to be settled soon.
- New housing projects are being planned in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- PHA is ready to launch mega housing projects in Islamabad, pending land and utility provision from the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
- The foundation has also introduced online payment systems and a digital record management system, which has improved transparency and eliminated issues of unintentional plot cancellations.
Shahid Hussain stressed his personal involvement in overseeing on-ground project progress. “My true satisfaction comes from resolving public issues and fulfilling our promises. The real success is the trust and satisfaction of the people,” he concluded.