Pakistan, May 8 -- Home-ownership is considered a benchmark of stable living. Families living in their own houses lead a rather uniform life compared to those who don't own their own homes. The financial status of homeless families is prone to deteriorate, psychologically they suffer, and more instability disturbs them further. According to the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023 (the most recent official data), approximately 7 million households in Pakistan live in rented homes. This represents 13.6% of total households in the country.

If we look at the biggest population-wise province, Punjab, the challenge is widespread. The rental rate in urban Punjab is significantly higher than the provincial average, driven by migration to majo...