Sindh Realtors Council Act 2026 Draft Seeks Licensing, Investor Protection and Welfare Reforms

More than 18 real estate associations across Karachi have jointly presented a proposed draft of the Sindh Realtors Council Act 2026 to the Sindh government, seeking a formal regulatory framework for property brokers, stronger investor protection and improved professional standards.

Led by Kashif Shah, chairman of the All Karachi Realtors Alliance, representatives unveiled the proposed legislation at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club. They called on the provincial government to review the draft and take it forward through the Sindh Assembly.

The proposed law aims to address concerns about fraud, unqualified property agents, disputes over commissions and financial risks faced by buyers and investors. Its provisions would introduce licensing, professional standards and mechanisms for handling complaints.

Proposed Council to Regulate Property Brokerage

Kashif Shah said the real estate brokerage sector needs an autonomous professional body to oversee licensing, training, ethical standards and career development.

He cited regulatory models in countries including Singapore, Canada, the United States and Australia. He also compared the proposed council with professional bodies that regulate doctors, lawyers and engineers in Pakistan.

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Shah argued that tax authorities such as the Federal Board of Revenue focus on taxation, while professional regulation requires separate mechanisms to monitor conduct, qualifications and licensing.

Under the proposed Act, real estate agents across Sindh would receive licences that could be verified through QR codes. The draft also envisages a central database of property offices and agents.

According to the alliance, these measures could improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence and help authorities identify businesses operating in the sector.

Investor Protection and Overseas Pakistanis

The draft proposes written agency agreements and client accounts to help protect buyers’ funds and clarify the responsibilities of property agents.

It also calls for an independent disciplinary committee to hear complaints and provide a formal route for resolving disputes.

The alliance said these measures could benefit overseas Pakistanis who invest in the country’s property market. A verifiable licensing system, it argued, would help investors identify registered professionals and make more informed decisions.

The proposed framework also aims to improve transparency and support efforts to prevent financial misconduct and money laundering. However, the practical impact would depend on the final law, its enforcement and coordination with existing regulatory authorities.

Pension, Insurance and Welfare for Realtors

A key feature of the draft is a proposed Realtors Social Security, Pension, Insurance and Welfare Fund.

According to the alliance, the fund would provide eligible real estate professionals with retirement pensions, health insurance, accident coverage and educational scholarships for their children.

The proposed legislation would also seek legal protection for written agreements and realtors’ commissions. Supporters say this could reduce disputes over payments and protect the earnings of property brokers and field workers.

Associations to Retain Their Independence

The alliance clarified that the proposed council would regulate professional brokerage services rather than determine land ownership or act as a land-title authority. It also said the council would not interfere in the town planning activities of developers and builders.

Existing real estate associations would retain their identities and autonomy, while the council’s leadership would be chosen through democratic elections, according to the draft’s proponents.

The organisers also said they intended to pursue similar legislation in other provincial assemblies and at the federal level after presenting the proposal in Sindh.

Real Estate Leaders Back the Proposal

Raheel Haroon, chairman of the All Karachi Realtors Association, said licensing and QR-code verification could give the profession a clearer identity. He also referred to provincial authority over real estate services in the context of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Hayat Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Real Estate Cobrokers Association, highlighted the proposed protections for commission payments and written agreements.

Haji Suhail Athar, president of the Surjani Town Property Dealers Welfare Association, said client accounts could help safeguard the savings of middle-class buyers and protect responsible dealers.

Advocate Shakeel Ahmed, chairman of the North Karachi Estate Dealers Welfare Association, described the proposed structure as democratic and autonomous, with a right of appeal.

Shahid Umrani, president of the MDA Realtors Association, welcomed the proposed welfare and pension arrangements for real estate professionals.

Call for Legislation

Concluding the press conference, the participating leaders urged the Sindh chief minister and provincial lawmakers to arrange legal scrutiny of the proposed Sindh Realtors Council Act 2026 and consider its enactment.

They said a regulated and transparent brokerage sector could help protect investments, support legitimate commercial activity and improve confidence in Sindh’s property market.

The proposal remains a draft. Its legal status, regulatory powers, funding arrangements and implementation mechanisms will depend on government review and the legislative process.