Punjab Province

Multan | ReNews Pakistan In the municipal limits of Nizamabad, rapid increases in land prices have led some individuals to attempt illegal occupation of government-owned land. Reports indicate that certain parties tried to take possession of state land and mislead lower-income residents by linking the plots to official housing schemes, raising concerns among the local population. In the Arsa Pali area, Survey No. 249 had previously been designated as government property, with official boards installed. Despite this, complaints of unauthorized construction emerged. Tehsildar North intervened promptly, halting the ongoing activities and submitting a detailed report to senior authorities. Part of the disputed land is under court proceedings, while construction continues on other sections. Further action will follow in accordance with court and administrative directives. In another part of North Mandal, adjacent to forest land where construction is prohibited, some individuals allegedly occupied government land, sold it to others, and attempted to construct double-bedroom houses, causing disputes. Additionally, in Survey No. 1581, claims surfaced of unauthorized construction on government land, allegedly under the pretext of housing approvals, raising public concerns. A former local representative has also been linked to multiple land occupation allegations. Sources indicate that he was previously associated with a political party, was suspended, and later joined the ruling party. He is accused of continuing disputed activities while using the name of a senior political leader, though these claims have not been legally verified. A related case involving 13 individuals is pending at the 6th Town Police Station. Local residents have expressed concern that illegal occupation and misuse of government land, along with false promises of housing approvals, are damaging the credibility of legitimate initiatives such as the Indra Housing Scheme. Citizens are urging the newly appointed District Collector to conduct a comprehensive investigation, ensure protection of all government property, and take strict action against land grabbers. Community members emphasize that only transparent verification of land records, immediate removal of illegal constructions, and enforcement of legal action can restore public confidence and safeguard government property. Authorities have confirmed that the matter is under review through court and administrative procedures, with further steps to be taken in accordance with existing laws.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab has introduced sweeping reforms to the province’s land record system, significantly reducing the authority of patwaris in property sale and transfer matters. The changes, officially notified by the Board of Revenue, Punjab, aim to improve transparency, curb corruption, and simplify land transactions across the province. Under the new system, patwaris will no longer handle documentation for land sales or transfers. Their role has been redefined to maintaining land records, assisting in revenue collection, and providing judicial records when needed. The responsibility for processing property sale and transfer documentation has shifted to designated Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) or authorised e-Facility Centers, which will oversee verification, Fard-e-Bay issuance, and registration of deeds. This centralisation is intended to remove outdated practices, such as reliance on witnesses or informal procedures, and ensure that all transactions are legally documented and verifiable. Mutations based solely on oral claims are not permitted, except in recognised inheritance cases. The reform was officially notified on 31 December 2025, with implementation taking effect in early January 2026. Buyers and sellers are now required to obtain the Fard-e-Bay from ARCs or e-Facility Centers before proceeding to authorised stamp vendors for deed registration. Once documents are verified, the tehsildar is mandated to approve registration on the same day, provided all requirements are met. This ensures faster, more transparent transactions and reduces opportunities for disputes or malpractice. These reforms mark a significant departure from traditional practices, where patwaris historically initiated mutations and processed property sale documents. By centralising functions at ARCs and e-Facility Centers and holding officials accountable for timely approvals, Punjab seeks to modernise its land administration, align property transactions with digital systems, and improve public trust in land dealings. Early responses indicate that the new system could reduce delays, confusion, and corruption in land transfers. However, its long-term effectiveness will depend on consistent application across all districts. The initiative reflects Punjab’s ongoing commitment to modernising property governance, providing a clearer, user-friendly framework for landowners, buyers, and real estate participants throughout the province.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Appellate Tribunal has recently ruled that the sale of developed plots is not a taxable service under provincial sales tax, providing clarity and relief for real estate transactions across the province. Developed plots refer to land where infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and basic amenities has already been established. The ruling overturns previous interpretations that treated such transactions as taxable services, which added an extra financial burden on sellers and buyers. * PRA Appellate Tribunal issued the ruling to provide legal clarity * Developed plots are now classified as property sales, not taxable services * Relief affects housing schemes, developers, and individual buyers Previously, the sale of developed plots was considered a service under provincial sales tax rules, requiring sellers to pay additional charges. The tribunal clarified that preparing land with infrastructure does not constitute a separate service; instead, it is part of the property itself. Transfers of immovable property are governed federally, not provincially, making them exempt from provincial sales tax. * Buyers face reduced transaction costs * Sellers benefit from simplified compliance and lower tax obligations * Developers can price plots more competitively, encouraging new projects The ruling also addresses past transactions. Tax charges, surcharges, and penalties applied under the previous interpretation may now be adjusted or refunded. This provides financial relief to property owners who had paid provincial sales tax on developed plots and ensures fairness in property transactions. * Previous tax demands may be adjusted or refunded * Legal clarity strengthens confidence in property transactions * Developers and investors can plan new projects with reduced uncertainty Analysts anticipate that the ruling could stimulate activity in Punjab’s property sector. Removing the provincial sales tax burden may encourage more plot sales, support new housing developments, and contribute to more stable pricing. The decision also reinforces the distinction between services taxed provincially and property transactions regulated federally. * Potential increase in housing development and investment * Simplified pricing and transaction processes for buyers and sellers * Greater clarity in tax obligations across the real estate sector. The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Appellate Tribunal ruling marks a significant step for legal certainty and transparency in the province’s land market. Exempting developed plots from provincial sales tax reduces costs, encourages investment, and simplifies transactions for buyers, sellers, and housing developers throughout Punjab.