Punjab Suspends Digital Land Record Certificates for 6 Months

The Punjab government has halted the Green Certificate system for a period of six months following concerns expressed by lawmakers regarding land transactions and the administration of property records. During a session of the Punjab Assembly, Provincial Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman announced the suspension, citing several issues that had arisen during the system's implementation.

Opposition Leader Rana Aftab Ahmed criticized the land record process, alleging widespread corruption within the Land Department. He questioned the effectiveness of the Green Certificate system, asserting that the traditional patwari system had been more reliable for land-related transactions. Rana Aftab Ahmed also pointed out the absence of an effective one-window mechanism for managing property sale and purchase records.

MPA Amjad Ali Javed had previously warned the Senior Member Board of Revenue about potential problems with the Green Certificate system. The Punjab Assembly Speaker questioned the provincial government's authority to suspend the system, stating that such a decision should involve the legislature as well.