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.
What is Fard and Why is It Important?
Fard is an official document that details the ownership and boundaries of a property or land. It is required for various purposes, including:
- Property transactions: To prove ownership when selling or buying land.
- Loans and mortgages: Banks demand Fard when granting loans using land as collateral.
- Inheritance claims: Heirs need Fard to claim their rightful share of inherited property.
- Legal disputes: Fard serves as evidence in case of ownership disputes or encroachments.
The Punjab government, through PLRA, has simplified the Fard issuance process by digitizing land records, ensuring quicker access to ownership documents.
How to Get Fard Issued: Step-by-Step Process
The PLRA offers multiple ways to obtain Fard, either through Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) or online portals. Below is a breakdown of the process for each method:
1. Fard Issuance through Arazi Record Centers (ARCs)
ARCs are established by the PLRA across Punjab to assist citizens in obtaining their land ownership documents without hassle.
Steps to Obtain Fard from an ARC:
- Visit the Nearest ARC: Locate the nearest Arazi Record Center in your district.
- Provide Necessary Information: Submit details about the property, such as:
- Name of the owner
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number
- Khasra (plot) or Khewat (ownership) number
- Identity Verification: Present the owner’s original CNIC for identity confirmation.
- Processing and Verification: The ARC officer will retrieve the property records from the digital database for verification.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the required fee for Fard issuance at the ARC.
- Issuance of Fard: Once verified, the ARC will issue a printed copy of the Fard.
This method ensures that ownership documents are issued without delays or the need to visit traditional patwaris (land record officers), improving transparency in the system.
2. Online Fard Issuance through the PLRA Website
The Punjab Land Records Authority has also enabled citizens to obtain Fard through an online portal, making the process even more convenient.
Steps to Obtain Fard Online:
- Visit the PLRA Website: Go to Punjab Zameen Portal.
- Select the Fard Issuance Option: Click on the “Fard” section on the homepage.
- Enter Property Details: Provide the necessary property details, such as the district, tehsil, and Khewat or Khasra number.
- Enter CNIC Information: Provide the CNIC number of the landowner.
- Pay the Fee Online: Use the online payment system to pay the required fee.
- Download the Fard: Once the payment and verification are complete, you can download the digital copy of the Fard from the portal.
The online method is ideal for those who prefer a quick, hassle-free way to obtain ownership documents without visiting an ARC.
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. 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.