07/06/2026
Pakistan has a 10 million housing unit shortage. Or does it?
For over a decade, this number has been repeated by politicians, media, the World Bank, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the International Monetary Fund. Developers have used it to justify every new housing scheme launched in this country.
But when the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics traced this figure back to its original source, they found nothing.
The World Bank cited the State Bank of Pakistan. The State Bank cited the International Growth Centre. The International Growth Centre cited the State Bank back.
A complete citation loop. No original study. No primary data. No methodology.
PIDE's own analysis of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics household data shows only 4.37 million households — roughly 12% — live in genuinely congested conditions. 82% of Pakistanis already own their homes.
Swipe to see the full breakdown — and what this means before you make your next property decision.
📹 Reference: https://youtu.be/KA8To3hJ0W8?si=szqstuLqSm4qHF9b
📄 Source: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics — Policy Viewpoint 36:2022 — Dr. Durr-e-Nayab
🔗 pide.org.pk/research/the-assumed-shortage-of-housing-in-pakistan
If the shortage was always exaggerated, who actually benefited? Drop your thoughts below.
