Land Digitization: A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity for Pakistan

Former Chairman of NADRA and FBR, Ali Arshad Hakeem, has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive land digitization, calling it a transformative initiative that could unlock trillions of dollars in economic potential for Pakistan.

In a recent discussion, Hakeem highlighted the disparities in land record management across provinces, noting that Punjab has made significant strides in linking land ownership with geospatial coordinates. However, Sindh and other regions lag behind, leading to widespread issues such as multiple claimants on single plots and government misallocation of land.

“Protecting property rights is one of the government’s most fundamental responsibilities. Accurate and transparent land records will not only prevent disputes but also create a land bank that can drive economic growth,” said Hakeem. He compared the initiative to NADRA’s success, stating that if NADRA can generate a billion dollars, a well-structured land bank could yield even greater financial benefits over the next decade.

He urged all provinces to follow Punjab’s lead in digitization, ensuring that every parcel of land is mapped with ownership records, satellite links, and transaction histories. “This is not an insurmountable challenge—by adopting proven models, Pakistan can systematically address issues of taxation, the undocumented economy, and land-related disputes.”

Hakeem called for a nationwide implementation strategy to replicate successful initiatives, ensuring that land digitization becomes a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic future.