Reviving Pakistan’s Real Estate Sector: Dr. Anosh Ahmed’s Vision for Economy Growth 

Pakistan's real estate market once stood as a pillar of financial security, with local and overseas Pakistanis viewing property investments as a safeguard against inflation and currency devaluation. But in recent years, this sector has encountered numerous challenges. Dr. Anosh Ahmed, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, offers his expert perspective on how Pakistan can revive its real estate sector and restore its former glory.

Understanding the Decline in Real Estate Investment

In the past, real estate investments in Pakistan were perceived as reliable and lucrative. The combination of the country's growing population and demand for housing made it an attractive investment avenue. However, the sharp rise in interest rates in recent years has made property financing nearly unattainable for many investors. Although interest rates have now decreased from 22% to 12%, the real estate market is still struggling with a series of challenges, including increasing taxes and stricter financial regulations.

The IMF’s Influence on Pakistan’s Real Estate Landscape

One of the key demands made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during ongoing negotiations for additional financial assistance is the expansion of Pakistan’s tax base, which would include the retail and real estate sectors. This policy change has sparked concerns among real estate investors, fearing that it could discourage investment in the country. The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is currently under review by the National Assembly, has raised a significant debate about the balance between necessary economic reforms and investor-friendly policies.

Dr. Anosh Ahmed’s Recommendations for Revitalization

Dr. Anosh Ahmed, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive business experience in the United States and Dubai, offers valuable insights into how Pakistan can restore its real estate sector. He believes that Pakistan can learn from Dubai’s successful investment policies to create a more investor-friendly environment.

Key Lessons from Dubai’s Investor-Friendly Policies

Dubai has flourished as a global investment hub, thanks in large part to its tax policies. The UAE offers zero corporate and income tax, making it a prime destination for international investors. However, Dr. Anosh emphasizes that tax incentives alone are not the key to Dubai’s success. The city’s infrastructure and efficient business environment play a significant role in attracting investors.

“Dubai’s comprehensive business support system, including state-of-the-art infrastructure and easy company registration processes, has created an ideal environment for investment,” Dr. Anosh notes.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Consistency: The Backbone of Investment

Dr. Anosh highlights the importance of both reliable infrastructure and a consistent regulatory framework in attracting investment. He points out that markets thrive when investors feel protected by clear, transparent laws. In countries like the U.S. and the UAE, transparent business practices, legal protections, and stability are essential elements that foster a secure investment climate.

“If Pakistan adopts similar policies that prioritize transparency, legal protection, and ease of doing business, it will surely attract domestic and international investors,” Dr. Anosh adds.

Infrastructure: The Catalyst for Real Estate Growth

Dr. Anosh stresses that a country's infrastructure directly impacts its economic development. In particular, Pakistan needs to invest in improving its transportation, energy supply, and digital infrastructure. Modern roads, efficient public transport systems, and stable power supplies are vital to making Pakistan an attractive destination for real estate investment.

“Countries with well-developed infrastructure offer businesses the opportunity to operate smoothly without delays or disruptions,” he explains. “Pakistan must prioritize its infrastructure development to unlock the potential of its real estate sector.”

Government Support for Real Estate Development

The real estate industry has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth, creating jobs, boosting demand for materials, and supporting other industries. Dr. Anosh recommends that the government introduce incentives for real estate developers, such as tax breaks for new projects or expedited approval processes for construction permits.

“Providing support for real estate development can create a ripple effect, stimulating economic activity and attracting investors,” he says.

Harnessing Technology to Revolutionize Real Estate

Dr. Anosh emphasizes that leveraging modern technology is key to improving the efficiency and transparency of real estate transactions. By adopting digital platforms, automated approval systems, and blockchain technology for land record management, Pakistan can reduce inefficiencies and combat corruption in the real estate sector.

“In the U.S., digital tools have revolutionized the real estate market, making transactions seamless and transparent,” he points out. “Pakistan should embrace technology to modernize its real estate processes and attract investors.”

The Path to a Stronger Real Estate Market: The Need for Bold Action

Despite the challenges facing Pakistan's real estate sector, Dr. Anosh remains optimistic about the country’s potential for recovery. He believes that with the right policies, Pakistan can harness its young population, growing middle class, and untapped resources to revitalize its real estate market and attract investment.

However, Dr. Anosh warns that time is critical. “The UAE’s swift policy reforms and investor-friendly measures have led to rapid economic expansion,” he notes. “Pakistan needs to act quickly to implement policies that simplify the investment process and create a more attractive environment for investors.”

Why Pakistan Must Act Now: The Risk of Losing Investors

Anosh Ahmed argues that delaying reforms could result in investors seeking opportunities elsewhere. Pakistan must strike a balance between enacting necessary economic reforms and creating an environment that fosters investment. If the government is too slow to implement changes, it risks losing valuable capital to more attractive markets.

“The choice is clear,” he states. “Pakistan must act swiftly to create an environment where investors feel secure, or risk losing valuable capital to countries that have already embraced investor-friendly reforms.”

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

For Pakistan’s real estate sector to regain its strength, it requires strategic reforms that emphasize stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth. By learning from successful global examples like Dubai, and implementing policies that prioritize infrastructure development, tax reforms, and technological innovation, Pakistan can unlock its real estate sector’s full potential.

Dr. Anosh Ahmed’s insights offer a roadmap for Pakistan’s economic revival. With the right steps, Pakistan can turn its challenges into opportunities and become a leading hub for global investment.