ISLAMABAD: The construction industry heavyweight, ZKB, has formally entered the real estate sector by partnering with the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) for the development of a large-scale housing project along the Hakla–D.I. Khan Motorway (M-14).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FGEHA and M/s ZKB Town (Pvt) Ltd. was signed on Tuesday at the Authority’s headquarters in Sector G-10/4, Islamabad. The project, to be developed under the FGEHA (JV & PPP) Rules 2025 and based on the End Product Model, aims to provide quality and affordable housing to federal government employees.
Founded by Haji Zahir Khan Khilji, ZKB has been a dominant player in Pakistan’s construction industry for over two decades, executing several mega public sector infrastructure projects across the country. The company is widely perceived to have close alignment with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), particularly due to its extensive portfolio of government-backed development works.
The group recently came under criticism from Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who, during a National Assembly session, accused ZKB of poor performance and substandard construction quality in Balochistan. The minister also raised concerns about what he described as the contractor’s “monopoly” in securing major government projects.
In its initial phase, the new housing scheme will span over 6,000 kanals near Islamabad International Airport and Motorway M-14, accommodating around 10,000 registered members.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Director General FGEHA, Captain (R) Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, said the initiative marks a milestone in the Authority’s efforts to provide affordable and high-quality housing for federal employees. He said the project demonstrates the government’s resolve to expand the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for housing development.
Newly appointed Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood, also attended the meeting and was briefed on the Authority’s ongoing and completed projects. These include Lifestyle Residency Apartments, Sectors G-13 and G-14 schemes, and the Skyline Housing Project, among others.
The DG informed that FGEHA has made notable progress in providing housing facilities in Islamabad and Karachi, ensuring transparency in allotment and introducing online services for citizens’ convenience.
Appreciating FGEHA’s performance, the Secretary emphasized the need for timely completion and strict adherence to transparency in all development works. The DG assured that all ongoing projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining modern construction standards and international best practices.
