Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday has launched 'Naya Pakistan Housing Programme' at a special ceremony in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the target of the government is to ensure the provision of five million affordable houses for underprivileged classes during the next five years.

The PM expressed the confidence that the programme would not only help realize the dream of a shelter for the poor but also create employment opportunities.

It will also attract local and foreign investment and stimulate about 40 related industries.

Registration for the houses is also expected to begin today. However, the registration for the houses does not entail allotment and will only identify those in need.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been given the task of collecting data to identify those in need, sources added.

Furthermore, areas, where low-costing houses can be built, will also be identified. "The private sector has been made part of the housing project to give recommendations on completing the project in five years."

Initially, the pilot project will be launched in seven cities which include Faisalabad, Sukkur, Quetta, Dera Ismail Khan, Islamabad, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad. 

Last month PM Imran had announced he will take ownership of the initiative in order to ensure smooth implementation and remove any administrative bottlenecks.

“Provision of five million houses equipped with all basic facilities, and regularisation of slums is the foremost priority of the government and a part of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s manifesto,” PM Imran said