Pakistan’s real estate sector could attract more investment through regulated Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), industry experts said at an SECP Talk Series session in Islamabad. However, speakers stressed that transparent valuations, effective governance and simpler taxation remain essential for the sector’s sustainable growth.
REITs can connect property assets with capital markets while helping bring real estate activity into the formal economy. Moreover, speakers highlighted their potential to mobilise private investment for infrastructure and development projects.
REITs Could Support Infrastructure and Development
Commissioner Imtiaz Haider welcomed participants and highlighted the investment potential of REITs in Pakistan. He said these investment structures could help finance infrastructure projects, including motorways, bridges, energy parks and logistics hubs.
Additionally, Haider suggested exploring REITs to unlock value from existing public assets and support development initiatives.
Presentations at the session highlighted Pakistan’s expanding REIT landscape. The country had 29 registered REIT schemes by March 2026, with an aggregate fund size of Rs173.1 billion in December 2025.
Globally, 1,021 listed REITs held a combined market capitalisation of US$2.04 trillion at the end of 2024.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Offer New REIT Opportunities
Zahid Latif Khan, Chairman of ISE REIT Management Company Limited, discussed international market growth and Pakistan’s investment potential.
He presented the Rs5.67 billion ISE Towers Rental REIT as a local example. Furthermore, he outlined opportunities for rental, developmental, hybrid and parking REITs across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
These models could offer different approaches to property investment, depending on their underlying assets and structures.
Muhammad Ejaz, Chief Executive of Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited, highlighted Dolmen City REIT and Globe Residency REIT as examples of local schemes.
He reported that Dolmen City REIT had a market capitalisation of Rs86.88 billion as of September 30, 2026. He also noted occupancy levels above 97% at both properties.
Ejaz called for rationalising property transfer duties and taxes to encourage investment. He also urged authorities to review investment limits to support the sector’s growth.
Transparency and Investor Confidence Remain Essential
Despite the opportunities, speakers cautioned that REIT returns and liquidity are not guaranteed. Instead, performance depends on underlying assets, scheme structures and prevailing market conditions.
Therefore, they identified independent valuations, trustee oversight and clear disclosures as important safeguards. Speakers also emphasised investor awareness as a key factor in building confidence.
Transparent practices and effective regulation could help strengthen participation in Pakistan’s property investment market. However, simpler tax rules and sound governance remain important for attracting sustained investment.
SECP Talk Series Brings Together Industry Stakeholders
The session brought together SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Commissioners Imtiaz Haider, Muzaffar Ahmad Mirza and Ali Farid Khawaja.
Business leaders, students and lawyers also attended the discussion, reflecting interest in the future of regulated property investment.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to discuss REIT-related opportunities and challenges. Organisers subsequently presented commemorative shields to the speakers.
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