Overseas Pakistanis can now complete property registration in Punjab without travelling to Pakistan after the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), in collaboration with the Board of Revenue Punjab, successfully carried out the province’s first fully digital land registration through the Pakistan High Commission in London.
The milestone transaction involved a Pakistani citizen living in London who transferred ownership of land in Dina, Punjab, to a buyer in Pakistan. The seller’s statement was recorded remotely through a secure digital link, while the entire registration process was completed electronically in line with official legal procedures.
The new digital registration system is aimed at making property buying, selling and transfer faster, more transparent and secure for overseas Pakistanis, eliminating the need to visit Pakistan for legal formalities. Officials say the initiative will also help reduce costs, save time and minimise legal complications.
PLRA Director General Ikram-ul-Haq described the successful registration as a major step towards strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and improving transparency in land transactions. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to providing international-standard public services through technology and promoting efficient, citizen-friendly governance.
According to the PLRA, the service is currently available for Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Authorities plan to extend the facility to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the next 30 days through continued collaboration between the Punjab Land Records Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Officials believe the technology-driven system will make property ownership and transfer significantly more convenient for overseas Pakistanis while reinforcing trust in Punjab’s land administration.
In a separate development, the government earlier approved a reduction in advance tax rates on property buyers and sellers and the implementation of a new rate from July 1.
According to the details, the new rates will take effect from July 1 under the Finance Bill for the upcoming fiscal year. Under the new law, advance tax on the sale of immovable property has been reduced.
Additionally, a tax of 2.75 per cent of the total transaction value will be collected from property sellers from July 1, according to the reports.
Property buyers will also be required to pay an advance tax of 1.25 per cent of the property’s fair market value.
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