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More than 18 real estate associations across Karachi have jointly proposed the Sindh Realtors Council Act, 2026, seeking a legal framework to regulate property brokerage, protect investors and improve professional standards across the sector.
The All Karachi Realtors Alliance, led by its chairman, Kashif Shah, presented the proposed draft to the Sindh government and media representatives. The announcement came during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.
Representatives from several real estate associations attended the event. They called for a formal licensing system, stronger consumer protection and greater accountability among property agents.
The proposed legislation aims to address concerns about fraud, malpractice and financial risks in real estate transactions. However, the draft must undergo legal review and receive approval from the Sindh Assembly before it can become law.
Speaking at the press conference, Kashif Shah said an independent Sindh Realtors Council could help establish professional standards for property brokerage.
He cited regulatory systems in countries including Singapore, Canada, the United States, Australia and China. He also compared the proposed council with professional bodies that regulate doctors, lawyers and engineers in Pakistan.
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Shah stressed that tax collection falls under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). However, he argued that professional licensing, training, ethical standards and career development require a separate regulatory framework.
Under the proposed Act, the council would issue licences to real estate agents across Sindh. Each licence would feature a QR code to help clients verify an agent’s credentials.
The proposal also calls for a central database of real estate offices and agents. According to the alliance, this system could improve transparency, support efforts to document economic activity and help authorities combat money laundering.
The proposed legislation also seeks to strengthen safeguards for property buyers and investors.
For example, written agency agreements would formally document the relationship between realtors and their clients. The draft also proposes client accounts to help protect funds during property transactions.
In addition, an independent disciplinary committee would handle complaints and provide a mechanism for resolving disputes.
The alliance said these measures could improve confidence among overseas Pakistanis investing in the province. Licensed agents and clearer transaction procedures, it argued, would help investors manage their property dealings from abroad.
However, the actual level of protection would depend on the final legislation, its enforcement and the safeguards adopted for client funds.
Another major proposal involves a Realtors Social Security, Pension, Insurance and Welfare Fund.
According to Shah, the proposed fund would provide participating real estate professionals with retirement pensions, health insurance and accident coverage. It would also offer educational scholarships for their children.
The alliance described the fund as a self-sustaining welfare model for people working in the property sector.
Furthermore, the proposed Act would provide legal protection for written agreements and help realtors recover their agreed commissions. Supporters say this measure could reduce disputes over payments and protect the earnings of property agents and co-brokers.
Other industry representatives also supported the proposed framework during the press conference.
Raheel Haroon, Chairman of the All Karachi Realtors Association, said the licensing system and digital QR codes could strengthen the profession’s credibility. He also referred to the 18th Constitutional Amendment, arguing that provincial governments have authority over real estate services within their jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, Hayat Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Real Estate Cobrokers Association, highlighted the importance of written agreements and commission protection. He said these measures could safeguard the rights and livelihoods of field workers and co-brokers.
Haji Suhail Athar, President of the Surjani Town Property Dealers Welfare Association, said client accounts could help protect middle-class savings and promote fair dealings in developing areas.
Advocate Shakeel Ahmed, Chairman of the North Karachi Estate Dealers Welfare Association, described the proposed council as democratic and autonomous. He said the framework would preserve the right of appeal while allowing the government to maintain a supervisory role.
Shahid Umrani, President of the MDA Realtors Association, welcomed the proposed pension and social security fund. He highlighted the importance of welfare support for professionals who help people secure homes and property investments.
The alliance said it plans to present similar proposals to other provincial assemblies and the federal government after submitting the draft in Sindh.
According to the organisers, existing real estate associations would retain their identities and autonomy under the proposed framework. They also said the council’s leadership would be elected through transparent democratic elections.
The alliance clarified that the proposed council would not determine land ownership or replace a land title authority. It would also not interfere in the town planning responsibilities of developers and builders.
Instead, the proposed body would focus on regulating property brokerage and improving professional accountability.
At the conclusion of the press conference, the participating leaders urged the Sindh chief minister and provincial lawmakers to review the draft promptly.
They called for legal vetting and legislation to establish the proposed Sindh Realtors Council.
The alliance believes a formal regulatory framework could improve investor confidence, protect consumers and encourage greater transparency in property transactions.
For now, however, the proposal remains a draft. Its future will depend on legal scrutiny, government consideration and approval by the Sindh Assembly.
[…] Karachi Realtors Propose Sindh Realtors Council Act 2026 to Regulate Property Sector […]