In a major step towards providing affordable housing, the Sindh government has launched the “Sasti Basti” initiative, aimed at offering low-cost homes to underprivileged communities across the province.
This new housing project was introduced during the 29th Governing Body meeting of the Human Settlement Authority, chaired by Najmi Alam, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Human Settlement Authority, Livestock, and Fisheries. The meeting saw key officials from Hyderabad and Sukkur in attendance, along with MPAs Muhammad Yusuf Baloch and Aruba Rabbani.
A Vision for Affordable Housing
Najmi Alam emphasized that the Sasti Basti project is part of the broader vision of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, focusing on providing sustainable homes for the less fortunate. The initiative targets low-income households that have long been left out of mainstream housing developments, ensuring that they have access to dignified and affordable living conditions.
During the meeting, the annual budget was approved alongside the minutes of the previous meeting, reflecting a streamlined process to push forward with the housing project. Additionally, the recruitment of demolition squads was sanctioned, aimed at clearing encroachments in slum areas across Sindh. This move is crucial to ensuring that land is made available for legitimate housing development under the Sasti Basti project.
Expanding Low-Cost Housing Across Pakistan
The Sasti Basti initiative is in line with similar housing programs across Pakistan, including the recent launch of “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This Punjab initiative is also designed to provide affordable homes for low-income residents, showing a nationwide push to tackle the housing crisis.
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Founder and Chairman of the Akhuwat Foundation, praised CM Maryam Nawaz for her leadership in offering relief on electricity bills and spearheading the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar project. Maryam Nawaz expressed her commitment to expanding the scope of the housing program in Punjab each year to meet the growing needs of the province’s low-income citizens.
A Collaborative Approach
The success of low-cost housing initiatives like Sasti Basti and Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar depends on collaboration between governmental bodies, non-profits, and local communities. Sindh’s Sasti Basti project is expected to replicate some of the successful approaches seen in Punjab, where the program has already started to provide homes to those in need.
As these programs continue to expand, they serve as a beacon of hope for many families seeking stability and affordable housing solutions across Pakistan. The focus on eliminating encroachments, recruiting specialized teams, and pushing for legislative support highlights the government’s commitment to long-term urban planning and human settlement development.
Building a Brighter Future
With the Sasti Basti initiative now in motion, the Sindh government aims to provide thousands of low-cost housing units to those most in need. This project marks a significant step in addressing the housing crisis and empowering low-income families with access to safe and sustainable living environments.
The combined efforts in Sindh and Punjab signal a growing trend of prioritizing affordable housing for the nation’s marginalized communities. As the projects unfold, they are expected to contribute significantly to reducing housing inequalities across Pakistan, fostering economic growth, and building a more inclusive society.
