Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has raised a red flag over Pakistan’s growing housing sprawl. He warned that the rapid conversion of fertile farmland into housing societies is a major threat to national food security. Chairing a high-level committee in Islamabad on Wednesday, he called for urgent legislation and long-term planning to protect agricultural land.
Iqbal stressed that if the current trend continues, future generations could face severe food shortages. He blamed unregulated urban sprawl—especially in major cities like Islamabad—for the destruction of green zones. He urged a shift toward vertical construction to save space and reduce pressure on natural resources.
During the meeting, attended by provincial officials and urban planning experts, key concerns were discussed. Member Infrastructure Waqas Anwar highlighted gaps in laws, weak enforcement, and a lack of reliable data. He noted that each province is facing the issue differently, but all are affected by poor land use management.
Iqbal also instructed provinces to collect detailed data on how much farmland has been lost to housing schemes in the last 20 years. He warned that the destruction of agricultural zones in the name of private profit is like “selling off the nation’s food future.” He emphasized that cities are now facing overloaded infrastructure and weakening public services as a result.
The minister concluded by announcing that the federal government, with help from provinces, will soon introduce a comprehensive policy. The plan will aim to regulate land conversion, support sustainable development, prevent illegal tree cutting, and promote affordable vertical housing. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate citizens on the risks of unplanned urban growth.