Govt targets $100bn exports by 2035 to drive $1tr economy

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan's exports need to climb to $100 billion by 2035, a step seen as key to self-reliance and a $1 trillion economy. The Planning Minister placed real estate and construction at the heart of that drive, arguing the construction sector should earn foreign exchange through exports and investment, not only serve domestic needs. He also said Pakistani builders must establish a stronger presence abroad.

The report puts the yearly housing gap at roughly 450,000 homes, with demand of 700,000 units exceeding the 250,000 units supplied. Between 2017 and 2023 the urban population climbed from about 76 million to 94 million, while built-up area in Islamabad rose 104% and in Lahore 59% over 2005 to 2022. The Minister stressed vertical development as a way to use scarce land better and protect farmland from sprawl.

A proposed reform framework for housing, construction and real estate targets 300,000 to 400,000 housing units a year under the House Ownership Plan for Everyone. It also aims for mortgage finance equal to 5% of GDP by 2035, up from less than 0.5%. Digital systems for land registries, building permits, property valuations and transfers are planned by FY2029, alongside single-window construction approvals and secure escrow payments for property deals.