• Defense Housing Authority is key property player in Pakistan. The brand manages a large infrastructure in several major cities across Pakistan.

Defence Housing Australia is all over the social media. The reason: how come an army enter into property business? Well, the opponent have blamed Pakistan’s military forces for property ventures in the past. While the world is facing its major security threats, the army stands as the first line of defense. However, there are multiple political, social and economic movements against Pakistan’s armed forces, often through the covert support of India and its proxies. They keep attacking the institutions to legitimize their own interests. On the other hand, the enemies continue to target Pakistan’s State infrastructure. For instance, the insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan continues unabated. A recent attack claimed life of a senior government official along with four others in Bajaur.

On the other hand, the political groups continue their vendetta against the armed forces. There are several individuals punished for their attacks on May 9 conspiracy. The May 9 conspiracy also focused the similar pretext; attack the institutions in Pakistan for political stakes. Well, it continues in many forms and Pakistan’s military has learnt the ways to tackle any new threats.

Yet, a usual word includes how come army is developing areas for residential or commercial use. Interestingly, one major claim comes with it: no other army in the world is into developing properties. Defence Housing Australia is a similar brand ensuring the protection of its own servicemen.

Defence Housing Australia

The project offers investment and lease offers in the development of housing enclaves. It’s mission clearly states, “We provide housing and related services to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families.”

Its development framework is also interesting. “Born out of a need to create a better lifestyle for Defence families, DHA has provided homes for Defence families for over 30 years,” it states. DHA Australia is also concerned about its obligations. It adds: “To meet our Defence housing obligations, we are active in the residential housing market. We acquire and develop land to build thriving and sustainable communities for Defence members and their families, and private owners.”

Interestingly, the housing for retired defense personnel is offered across the world. For instance, the United States offers Armed Forces Retirement Home. In fact, Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is an independent Agency in the Executive branch of the U.S. Government. It offers residences and other related services to the retired members of US armed forces. Similarly, the UK government also offers Serviced Family Accommodations to its military personnel. Well, there is a similar trend in India as well. India has established Armed Forces Welfare Housing Organisation for its defense personnel.

Propaganda Against Pakistan Army

So why is a fuss in Pakistan? There is always a propaganda against the forces in Pakistan. The propaganda mainly revolves around using public funds for developing these lands. However, it is well known that the armed forces use the deducted funds from the salaries of the personnel to buy, develop and allot these units on the basis of defined parameters ranging from seniority to service length and specific achievements.

The CEO of Gupshup Pro Max shared the post “Mashallah DHA Australia Zindabad.” The replies were amazing. One user added: boys have gone international. Another user was well versed and commented that it is a trend across the world where countries do allot lands to their armed forces for settling them down after retirement. One of the interesting comments included: “Now it’s time for DHA Mumbai,” asking for establishing Defense Housing Authority in Mumbai, India once Pakistan Army takes over the city.

Whatever the comments, large number of people are unaware of how the Defense Housing Authority functions in Pakistan. They remain unaware of the fact that all personnel go through lifelong deductions from their salaries to get a single plot in the DHA anywhere in Pakistan. As they retire, they may get one or two plots from the amounts they keep depositing all their lives. It is a similar system to the one in any nation where the lands are provided to outgoing servicemen after their lifelong service in the defense of their country.

As propaganda continues, it is hoped that the existence of Defence Housing Australia or other similar setups around the world may allow some rational views to come up in the dialogue.