News
Sindh May Rebuild Failed Land Record Automation System From Scratch
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
3 min read
Sindh may overhaul its land record automation system after Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi acknowledged that the project launched in 2009 failed to deliver the intended results. During a meeting with the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan, the Commissioner indicated that the existing system may need to be undone and rebuilt from scratch. For Karachi and the wider Sindh property market, the issue matters because land records affect ownership verification, transfers and confidence in property transactions.
Why the Existing System Matters
Sindh already operates an official digital land records portal through the Board of Revenue.
The Sindh Zameen portal provides access to millions of digitised records, including Village Forms, property registers, archived records, maps and registry information. However, the portal states that the information is for public use only and does not carry legal validity. Certified records still require official verification. For buyers, this means an online search can help with initial checks but does not replace formal ownership verification.
Why a Rebuild Could Matter for Buyers
A stronger digital land record system could reduce uncertainty during property transactions. Buyers need confidence that the seller is the recorded owner, mutations have been entered correctly and older records match the current ownership position.
If Sindh replaces the existing system with a more complete platform, it could improve record consistency and make verification easier across Karachi and other districts.
Why Punjab Is Being Used as a Comparison
Punjab has developed a broader digital land administration system through the Punjab Land Records Authority. Its official platform provides access to digital ownership records, Fard, mutation services and property transfer systems. Punjab also offers digital tools that allow users to verify ownership and track land services through official platforms. The comparison matters because both provinces began land record modernisation efforts years ago, but their current systems provide different levels of integration and public access.
What Buyers Should Do for Now
Until any new system is launched, buyers should continue using official Board of Revenue channels and obtain certified documents where required. An online record should be treated as an initial verification step rather than the only proof of ownership. Buyers should confirm mutation history, registry details and the identity of the recorded owner before making payment, particularly where older records or disputed ownership are involved.
What This Means for Sindh Real Estate
A complete rebuild of Sindh's land record system could become an important property market reform if it improves the accuracy and legal usefulness of ownership information. For buyers, developers and investors, better records could reduce uncertainty during transfers and make due diligence easier. However, the proposal is still at the discussion stage. The real impact will depend on formal approval, how existing records are migrated and whether the new platform provides legally reliable digital verification. For continued updates on land records, property regulation and real estate reforms, readers can follow Milkiyat.