The Punjab government and the Board of Revenue have launched a major reform to modernise the province’s land management system, announcing the complete discontinuation of manually issued land ownership documents after June 30. The move aims to replace decades-old paper-based practices with a secure digital framework designed to improve transparency and public access to land records.
Under the new policy, traditional handwritten land ownership certificates, commonly known as fard, will no longer hold legal status after the deadline. Instead, citizens will receive a computer-generated Green Certificate Letter, which will serve as the official proof of land ownership across Punjab and become the primary document for property-related transactions.
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Authorities said the reform targets long-standing issues linked to manual recordkeeping, including document tampering, fraudulent ownership claims and manipulation of land records. Officials believe the transition to a digital verification system will significantly reduce opportunities for corruption and help resolve disputes that have affected landowners for years.
Furthermore, citizens will be able to obtain their land records through Punjab Land Records Authority service centres, e-Khidmat centres and digital platforms without relying on conventional patwar offices. The new process incorporates biometric verification, ensuring that ownership information remains secure, accurate and accessible through authorised channels.
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Officials also expect the initiative to improve public convenience by reducing paperwork, eliminating unnecessary visits to government offices and accelerating record issuance. The digital system has been developed to provide faster services while strengthening confidence in land ownership documentation across both urban and rural areas.
Moreover, the government views the Green Certificate Letter as an important step toward broader digital governance reforms in Punjab. By introducing technology-driven land administration, authorities aim to enhance efficiency, strengthen legal protection for property owners and establish a more transparent and reliable record management system for future generations.