With the age of digitisation catching up to the real estate industry, the government has finally introduced E-governance in its land reforms. Replacing the traditional record-keeping methods, the provincial governments launched e-portals to facilitate citizens in verifying and double-checking land records.
This is a major step forward in the right direction for the country, as citizens can now access land records anytime, anywhere, without any hassle. To further ease the process, Graana.com features a step-by-step guide for checking land records online.
What are Land Records?
A land record is a legally binding document that signifies ownership of a specific piece of land. Land records have been in place for centuries in the Sub-Continent, as land ownership has remained a common practice throughout the region’s history.
However, during the British Raj, a new record-keeping system was introduced – one that has remained common practice to this day in Pakistan.
Land records serve as a source of transparency, and they are commonly used in legal settings to resolve property disputes. Moreover, the government uses these records to identify property tax collections.
Online Land Record Systems
Currently, only the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh offer to check land records online. Both provincial governments have launched e-portals that offer several services such as property verification, checking land records, and viewing a province-wide property map.
Punjab Land Record Authority
The Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA), the province’s land governing authority, launched the Land Records Management Information System (LRMIS). This system manages an extensive database covering all of Punjab’s property records.
Following is a step-by-step guide that explains the process for checking your property records online in Punjab.
Step 1 – Visit the Punjab Land Record Authority’s official website.
Step 2 – On the top side of the homepage, several tools and options will be available. Select the ‘Property Registration Search tool.
Step 3 – Once you reach the property registration page, three drop-down options will be available. In the first drop-down menu, you will select the property’s district.
Step 4 – In the following drop-down menu, select the Tehsil of your property.
Step 5 – The last drop-down menu will give three options to search the property by. You can search for it by name, CNIC number, or property number.
Step 6 – Lastly, press enter, and you will have access to your desired property records.
The Punjab Land Record Authority has also launched a mobile application for checking land records. The process for checking land records on the application follows the procedure explained before.
Government of Sindh – Board of Revenue
The Sindh government launched an online record management system, similar to Punjab’s system, which has allowed citizens to access land records hassle-free.
Being Sindh’s property management authority, the Board of Revenue manages the province’s extensive property database.
Following is a step-by-step guide explaining accessing land records online in Sindh.
Step 1 – Head over to the Board of Revenue’s official website.
Step 2 – The homepage will offer two options: search by name or search by CNIC/NIC number.
Step 3 –You will find three drop-down options on the property registration page. The first one will give you the option to select the property’s district.
Step 4 – The second drop-down menu will ask you to fill in the Tehsil of the property.
Step 5 – The last drop-down menu will ask for the property’s ‘Deh’ or region.
Step 6 – Enter the name of the file holder and press enter. You will then have access to the desired property records.
Step 7 – To search with the CNIC number, simply write the CNIC number in the given field and press enter. The database will automatically present all properties registered under that CNIC in the province of Sindh.
The government’s initiative of digitizing the property record-keeping system is a step in the right direction, allowing citizens to access their land records hassle-free and making the record-keeping system much simpler.
The governments of Balochistan and KPK are also planning on digitizing their property management systems, making way for an entirely digitized Pakistan.
Know more about PropSure and it’s Online Property Verification System (OPVS)
FAQs
Here are some FAQs related to land records search by name
How can I search land records by name?
Land records can be searched by name by visiting the relevant government department or authority responsible for maintaining land records. You need to provide the name of the person or entity whose land records you want to search, along with any other required information, such as the location or unique identification details.
What information can I find through a land record search by name?
A land record search by name can provide various details, including the ownership status of the land, property boundaries, land area, encumbrances (such as mortgages or liens), land use restrictions, and historical transactions related to the property.
Where can I conduct a land record search by name?
You can conduct a land record search by name at the land registry office or the relevant government department responsible for land records. These offices are usually located in the district or jurisdiction where the land is situated.
What documents or information do I need to conduct a land record search by name?
To conduct a land record search by name, you may need to provide the full name of the person or entity whose land records you want to search. Additional information, such as the location or unique identification details of the property, may also be required.
Are there any fees associated with a land record search by name?
Yes, there may be fees associated with a land record search by name. The exact fees can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific services requested. It’s advisable to inquire about the applicable fees at the land registry office or the relevant government department.
Can I conduct a land record search by name online?
In some jurisdictions, it is possible to conduct a land record search by name online through dedicated government portals or websites. These online platforms may require registration and may offer limited access to certain land records based on privacy and security considerations.
Can I obtain certified copies of land records through a name-based search?
Yes, in most cases, it is possible to obtain certified copies of land records through a name-based search. Once you have identified the relevant land records, you can request certified copies from the land registry office or the concerned government department. Additional fees and procedures may apply for obtaining certified copies.
Are land record searches by name always accurate and up-to-date?
Land record searches by name provide information based on the available records at the time of the search. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that land records may change over time due to new transactions, transfers, or corrections. It is recommended to verify the information with the latest records and consult legal professionals if needed.
Can I use land record search results as legal proof of ownership?
Land record search results can provide important evidence of ownership but may not be considered legal proof on their own. To establish legal ownership, it is advisable to consult legal professionals, review the relevant land laws and regulations, and obtain proper documentation, such as title deeds and property registration documents.
Can I search land records by the name of a previous owner?
Yes, land records can often be searched by the name of a previous owner. This can be useful for tracking the ownership history of a property and identifying any potential encumbrances or legal issues associated with the land.
