In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s real estate and investment landscape, JS Investments Limited (JSIL), the country’s oldest private sector asset management and REIT management company licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), has announced a strategic partnership with the Gohar Group of Companies to launch Pakistan’s first Shariah-compliant hybrid hotel REIT. This milestone marks a significant step toward institutionalizing real estate investments with a focus on sustainability and Islamic finance principles.
The newly launched JS Hotel REIT (JSHR) is a pioneering initiative that blends the financial discipline of a Real Estate Investment Trust with the operational excellence of a globally recognized hospitality brand. Situated in Hyderabad, Sindh, the project features a 139-key premium hotel developed under a franchise model. By aligning with an international hotel operator, the venture brings global standards in service and construction to Pakistan’s emerging hospitality sector.
JS Hotel REIT is now open for investment from both domestic and international accredited investors. With SECP’s regulatory endorsement, the fund’s launch reflects growing investor appetite for diversified, Shariah-compliant, and sustainable investment vehicles. Institutions and individuals seeking exposure to Pakistan’s real estate sector can participate by reaching out to JS Investments for detailed investment guidance.
A major turning point was achieved with the signing of a strategic investment agreement between the REIT and Gohar Group of Companies, under which the latter has become a founding investor. Gohar Group’s anchor contribution includes both land and equity, signaling a strong commitment to the development and success of the REIT. This hybrid model enables investors to gain indirect ownership of a high-value hotel property through a regulated and professionally managed platform.
What sets the JS Hotel REIT apart is its unique positioning as Pakistan’s first green hotel REIT operating within the bounds of Shariah compliance. The development is constructed with environmentally responsible practices, addressing the growing demand for green infrastructure and sustainability in Pakistan’s urban centers. It serves as a blueprint for how environmentally sustainable and faith-compliant investing can be merged effectively in a high-growth sector.
Ms. Iffat Zehra Mankani, CEO of JS Investments Limited, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. “As the manager of Pakistan’s first hotel REIT, we are pleased to offer investors a professionally managed and regulated investment vehicle backed by international hospitality standards,” she stated. “This partnership supports our broader vision of creating new asset classes that contribute to Pakistan’s economic and infrastructure development.”
Hyderabad, a city experiencing rapid commercial and tourism growth, currently lacks sufficient premium hospitality infrastructure. The launch of a high-end, internationally branded hotel is expected to fill this gap, offering top-tier services to both business and leisure travelers. As construction moves forward, it promises to become a landmark property in the region and a model for future REITs in the country.
The JS Hotel REIT represents a significant evolution in Pakistan’s financial and real estate ecosystem. By combining Shariah compliance, green development practices, and international hospitality standards under a REIT structure, it opens new avenues for secure, transparent, and high-potential investment opportunities. This initiative not only introduces a new asset class to the local market but also reinforces the potential of REITs as engines for economic growth and sustainable development in Pakistan.