Islamabad's Manhattan-style urban vision and Saudi land deal headline Pakistan's real estate push
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took center stage at the Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition in Lahore, announcing two ambitious urban development initiatives for Islamabad: a December auction of prime government land requiring no upfront payment from developers, and a Manhattan-style residential and recreational project built around a central park. The announcements signal Pakistan's drive to attract Gulf investment into its federal capital's real estate sector.
🏢 Pakistan Auctions Prime Islamabad Land to Saudi Investors with No Upfront Payment
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced plans to auction prime Islamabad land in December 2026 at the Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition in Lahore. The proposed auction would offer some of the most expensive plots in Islamabad, intended for hotels, malls, and residential complexes. Under the innovative structure announced by Naqvi, developers would not be required to pay for the land upfront. Instead, winning bidders would offer the government a share of their completed project's inventory, with a minimum bid set at 15 percent. The term inventory in this context refers to the saleable units within a completed development. Naqvi directed his remarks at Saudi investors attending the exhibition, which brings together developers and investors from both countries. The auction structure is designed to lower the barrier to entry for large-scale foreign investors. Pakistan to trade prime Islamabad land for a share of completed buildings, the minister confirmed. Saudi Arabia has been targeted as a key partner in Pakistan's urban development ambitions under this initiative. The December auction forms part of Pakistan's broader effort to reform and modernize its real estate market. [2]
🏢 Naqvi Unveils Manhattan-Style Residential Project Plan for Islamabad
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi outlined plans for a Manhattan-style residential and recreational development in Islamabad at the Saudi Real Estate Expo. The proposed project would feature residential facilities and other amenities arranged around a central park, drawing comparisons to New York's urban design model. Naqvi said the government also intends to upgrade Islamabad's safari park by increasing the number of animals and expanding leisure and recreational facilities. Pakistan's Interior Minister emphasized that the country offers significant investment opportunities in both the recreational and real estate sectors. Naqvi invited Saudi investors to participate in projects aimed at expanding Pakistan's urban infrastructure and leisure offerings. The government plans to introduce a one-window operation to simplify the investment process and expedite project approvals. Under the proposed system, authorities would aim to complete approvals within days rather than weeks or months, reducing administrative delays. This streamlining effort is intended to reduce barriers for investors, particularly for large-scale real estate developments requiring multiple government approvals. Naqvi said the initiative would improve ease of doing business for both domestic and international investors. The proposed Manhattan-style development represents Pakistan's ambition to introduce modern urban planning in its federal capital, Islamabad. [3]
Sources: [2] Arab News PK · [3] Pakistan Today