The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Works shall organize the 1st International Housing Expo from December 9-11, 2022 at Convention Center, Islamabad, said Ahsan Zafar Bakhtwari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry during a meeting with Shafiq Akbar, CEO Graana and Imarat Group. He said that both local and international developers, builders, architects, designers, allied industries and real estate development companies shall participate in the Expo to showcase their projects and announce state of the art residential and commercial projects. He invited Graana for collaboration in this mega event. Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President, Sh.Aamir Waheed, Convener Expo Committee ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik, Zaffar Bakhtawari and Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, Former Presidents were present in the meeting.

The main theme of the Expo is “SHELTER FOR ALL”, as this is one of the basic rights of every citizen of Pakistan, said Ahsan Zafar Baktawari. He said that in the Expo, on the sidelines panel discussions shall be held in which renowned national and international speakers shall participate to discuss the policy reforms for urban regeneration, technology and experience sharing, eco-friendly, affordable and low-cost housing. He informed that exhibitors and speakers from 10 countries have shown their interest to participate in the Expo and there would be exclusive sessions with the Chinese companies. He invited Graana for its collaboration in the Expo and offered to establish a desk for urban regeneration at ICCI.

ICCI President said that with Public-Private partnership, new housing schemes shall be started to develop low cost and affordable housing. He said that bylaws should be framed for vertical development and building of skyscrapers in the capital and other cities of Pakistan.

Shafiq Akbar, CEO Graana appreciated the initiative of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Housing and Works for International Housing Expo and assured the collaboration and support of Graana in the upcoming event. He emphasized that ICCI should focus more on urban-regeneration and assured to establish a desk for urban regeneration in collaboration with ICCI.

He said that CDA has started the process for online verification of property and it is important for any investor to make verification of property before making any investment. He informed that about 450 town planners are operating and Graana is serving about 12000 clients and have invested huge amounts in 15 mega projects.

Shafiq Akbar said that there is a great need of proper town planning to meet housing needs and informed that Graana has prepared a White Paper setting vision 2047 focusing on youth and area to provide housing to all. This paper has already been presented to the Government, he said. He said that there must be proper utilization of money of urban planning.