Authorities turn to digitisation to tackle property fraud

LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced that property transactions in housing schemes under its control will move to a fully digital system from July 1 in an effort to curb fraud, stop illegal dealings and end the long-running culture of property file trading.

Under an official notification, all purchases and sales in LDA-regulated housing schemes will only be carried out through a Property Certificate issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA). The authority said no transaction will be recognised legally without that certificate, and any transfer or sale completed without it will invite action under the LDA Act 1975.

LDA officials said the system is designed to safeguard citizens’ property records through QR-coded certificates that allow immediate access to full ownership information. They added that file-based trading in property will be discontinued within the LDA’s jurisdiction. Private housing schemes have been instructed to shift their records to the Housing Societies Management System (HSMS) by June 30.

According to LDA officials, private schemes will be able to issue certificates and registries through a digital portal. The system is also being linked with the authority of the sub-registrar to make approvals and record management more efficient.

Real estate oversight measures

In a separate development, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt announced additional steps aimed at increasing transparency in the real estate sector, reducing reliance on cash transactions and tightening regulatory checks.

Speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the NAB chairman said the authorities were working to remove fraudulent practices, opaque transactions and the traditional file system from the property market. He said future property dealings would increasingly move through banking channels, while housing schemes would be required to maintain verified inventories and transparent records.

Nazir Ahmed Butt said housing schemes would not be allowed to sell more plots than the number available in their approved land banks. He also said a one-window mechanism was being developed to cut regulatory delays for developers and investors.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between NAB and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen coordination with the business community. The NAB chairman also advised the public to verify no-objection certificates, approved layout plans and the legal standing of housing projects before making investments. Separately, NAB distributed Rs462 million among citizens affected by several housing societies and investment schemes.