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KARACHI: In a significant stride towards modernizing land management, the Sindh government has introduced a comprehensive digitalization initiative aimed at streamlining property transactions, ensuring secure record-keeping, and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Overhauling the Land Transfer System
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while presiding over a high-level meeting of the Board of Revenue, emphasized the urgent need to replace the traditional 12-step land transfer process with a streamlined, single-step digital mechanism. This digital shift is expected to significantly reduce delays, enhance transparency, and minimize the risk of fraudulent activities in property dealings.
Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, along with other key officials, briefed the meeting on the newly developed e-system. The initiative involves the complete digitization of manual land records, the establishment of a blockchain-secured land registry, and the introduction of a web-based e-transfer process that eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices.
Key Features of the Digital System
The core components of the new land record system include:
- Blockchain Integration: To ensure tamper-proof, immutable records, all digitized land data will be stored on a blockchain-based platform.
- Biometric Verification: Instead of requiring individuals to visit government offices, biometric authentication at designated service centers will serve as the primary verification method for property transactions.
- Linkage with CNICs: Land ownership data will be linked to Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), preventing fraudulent claims and ensuring rightful ownership.
- Digital Land Register: A survey-based digital register is being developed, mapping land details across all dehs (villages) and securing records of non-transferable land, such as forests, graveyards, and leased properties.
- Paperless Transactions: The new system will facilitate a seamless land title transfer process, fully integrated with national institutions such as NADRA, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and banking systems for real-time verification.
Pilot Project for Initial Implementation
To assess the effectiveness of the new framework, the Sindh government has approved a pilot project in Deh Matiari and Palijani (District and Taluka Matiari) and Deh Bagerji (Taluka and District Sukkur). This initiative is being developed in collaboration with IBA Sukkur, which is overseeing the technical aspects of the project.
Murad Ali Shah expressed confidence that the integration of blockchain technology, biometric authentication, and digital property transfers would set a new standard for real estate governance in Sindh. He emphasized that this modernized system would enhance public trust, eliminate corruption, and accelerate property transactions across the province.
Once the pilot project demonstrates successful results, the Sindh government plans to expand the digital land record system across the province. The initiative marks a major milestone in leveraging technology to revolutionize land management, ensuring efficiency, security, and reliability in property dealings for the people of Sindh.
