Islamabad's international "Free- Open to All" Expo from Thursday

• 4-Day International Housing Expo open to all
• Panel Discussions, Food Gala, Musical Night and much more  

By Atif Khan

Islamabad is all set to host an "International Housing and Real Estate Expo" from December 8–11.

According to Ministry of Housing and Works officials, the 4-day event has been divided into two segments. One is seminars and panel discussions, while the second is stalls and food festivals etc.

The Ministry of Housing and Works will manage the three-day panel discussions , while Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCI will manage the stalls and other activities. In the panel discussions, two speakers are coming from abroad, while some foreigners, posted in Pakistan, are also expected to grace the 3-day discussions. These sessions will be open to the public.

During the discussion sessions, affordable housing projects, being managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority, the Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation, and reputable private companies will be discussed in detail. "It is such a unique event in the history of Islamabad, that there is something for everyone, if you want to learn, we have all day long seminars on Pakistan's housing industry; if you want to know about different housing projects, we have over 180 stalls, if you are with family, we have food courts, food gala; and after a hectic day, we have a musical night for you," said Afzaal Zeb, public relations officer, Ministry of Housing and Works.

The four-day event, aimed to promote the real estate business and ensure safe and secure housing for everyone, at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, is sponsored by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

People from the real estate and housing industries are expected to attend the event. Pakistani missions abroad have advertised the expo and invited Pakistani community members as well as foreign investors. 

"We have been working on this project since August of this year, and our objective has been to come up with some innovative events," the ministry's spokesman said. He said it was a very challenging task as the ministry had to generate resources from a private partnership. 

Talking bout the objective of the event, he said, the aim is to invite international investors, real estate companies, and other construction-related entities to explore the potential of the Pakistani real estate market and also to learn from their experiences and international best practices.

"We want to know how to construct in earthquake prone areas, how to rehabilitate flood-affected areas, and what should be the best town planning options for Pakistan's big cities," the official said.

Another objectives is to educate the public about safe housing concepts and how to be mindful of natural disasters during the construction of houses or commercial properties. Bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government is also an objective of the grand event, the spokesperson said.

Ministry of Hosing and work's mega event has been planned at a time when Pakistan has been hit hard due to international financial crisis, internal political instability and near-to-default economy.