News
Pakistan Moves to Create Central Authority for Federal Land and Infrastructure Assets
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
3 min read
The president has approved the Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Assets Management Authority Bill, 2026, after its passage by Parliament. The legislation aims to establish a central authority responsible for improving the planning, execution and management of public infrastructure and federal assets. It also provides for a comprehensive database of federal government land and buildings, improved asset management and measures against encroachments. Laws and notifications are published by the Government of Pakistan and the National Assembly.
Why the Approval Is a Legal Step and Not Yet a Working Authority
With the president's approval, the Bill has completed its passage. The reports we have seen do not say when the authority will be established, who will head it, how it will be funded or which existing bodies it will work with or replace. Until those steps are taken and rules are issued, the effect on land and buildings in practice is not yet known.
Why the Database of Federal Land and Buildings Is the Most Property-Relevant Part
A comprehensive database of federal government land and buildings would give the state a single record of what it owns. That matters because uncertain or scattered records make it harder to identify underused property, to resolve disputes and to prevent unauthorised occupation. How complete the database will be, and whether any of it will be public, has not been stated. We have followed related record-keeping efforts, such as the digitisation of Islamabad property records on the Pak App.
Why Encroachment Measures Are Part of the Bill
The Bill provides for measures against encroachments on federal assets. Encroachment on state land is a recurring issue in the capital, as seen in the CDA's action on National Park land at Bhara Kahu and in its drive against illegal structures. Whether the new authority would take over any such enforcement, or work alongside bodies like the CDA, is not clear from the reports.
Why Development of Underused Government Property Is a Possibility, Not a Plan
Centralised records and stronger oversight could improve identification and use of federal land, and could influence how underused government properties are developed or managed. That is a possible outcome of the Bill and not a stated programme. The reports do not mention any specific property, sale or lease.
What This Means for Developers, Investors and Occupants of Federal Land
Developers and investors interested in government land should watch for the authority's formal establishment, its rules, and any policy on leasing or developing federal property. Occupants of federal land and buildings, including those with unclear or disputed arrangements, should expect closer scrutiny once the database exists. Buyers of property near federal land should keep verifying title directly with the relevant authority.