The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) plays a critical role in the management and digitization of land records across the province of Punjab, Pakistan. One of the key services offered by PLRA is the issuance of Fard, a document that certifies ownership of land. Fard is essential for property transactions, inheritance claims, and legal documentation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Fard issuance process under the Punjab Land Records Authority and explore its significance.
Types of Fard Documents
The PLRA offers different types of Fard, depending on the purpose:
- Fard-e-Malkiat (Ownership Document): A comprehensive record of the property’s ownership, used for sales and transfers.
- Fard for Loan or Mortgage: This type of Fard is issued specifically for obtaining loans or mortgages from financial institutions.
- Fard for Legal Purposes: This version is requested for use in court cases or legal disputes related to ownership.
Fees for Fard Issuance
The fee structure for Fard issuance is standardized to ensure affordability and transparency. Fees may vary slightly depending on the district, but the typical charges include:
- Fard issuance for sale or transfer: PKR 500–1,000
- Fard for inheritance purposes:    PKR 300–500
- Fard for mortgage or loan:       PKR 500–700
It is recommended to confirm the exact fee with the ARC or through the PLRA website.
Benefits of Digital Fard Issuance
The digitalization of land records by the PLRA has transformed the property management system in Punjab, offering several benefits:
1. Transparency and Accountability
The new system eliminates the traditional dependency on patwaris, reducing the risk of corruption and manipulation of land records.
2. Time Efficiency
Citizens can now obtain Fard within a few minutes through online portals or ARCs, compared to the previous lengthy processes.
3. Accessibility
The availability of online Fard issuance makes it easier for overseas Pakistanis and people living in remote areas to access their land records without visiting government offices.
4. Error Reduction
Digital records minimize the chances of human error, ensuring that land ownership data remains accurate and up-to-date.
Common Issues in the Fard Issuance Process
Despite the improvements, some challenges persist in the Fard issuance process:
- Technical Issues with the Online Portal: Occasionally, the PLRA’s website experiences downtime, making it difficult for users to access their records.
- Discrepancies in Land Records: In cases where old manual records have not been digitized correctly, errors may occur, requiring manual corrections at ARCs.
- Limited Awareness: Many citizens are still unaware of the online services available for Fard issuance and continue to rely on traditional patwaris.
The PLRA is working to address these challenges by improving the online portal and conducting public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has revolutionized land record management in Punjab by providing digital access to ownership documents, including Fard issuance. Whether you choose to visit an Arazi Record Center (ARC) or use the online portal, the process is now faster and more transparent than ever before. The availability of different types of fards ensures that landowners have access to the documents they need for sales, loans, inheritance, or legal proceedings.
While some challenges remain, the digitalization of the Fard issuance process has reduced corruption, improved accuracy, and made property management more accessible to the public. By adopting these digital tools, citizens can safeguard their property investments and ensure compliance with legal requirements. With continuous improvements, the PLRA is setting a benchmark for efficient land record management in Pakistan.
