Punjab opposition lawmaker Aftab Ahmad Khan has called for urgent reforms to address administrative and technical problems in the Green Property Certificate system.
LAHORE: Opposition member of the Punjab Assembly Aftab Ahmad Khan has criticised the provincial government’s Green Property Certificate system, claiming that implementation problems have disrupted property transactions and created difficulties for citizens across Punjab.
Khan has submitted an adjournment motion in the provincial assembly, raising concerns over what he described as serious administrative and technical shortcomings in the newly introduced system.
According to the motion, the system was implemented across Punjab simultaneously without adequate preparation, complete computerised land records or sufficient training for staff responsible for processing property transactions.
Khan said the process had become particularly difficult for ordinary citizens and overseas Pakistanis seeking to buy or sell property in the province. He claimed transactions in several areas had slowed significantly or effectively come to a halt because of problems linked to the new procedure.
The lawmaker said people who need to sell properties urgently were facing financial difficulties because transactions could not be completed promptly.
The motion also highlighted discrepancies in computerised land records and inadequate staff training. Khan alleged that errors in land records and excessive discretionary powers for officials could create opportunities for corruption and contribute to disputes over land ownership.
Another concern raised in the motion was the certificate’s 90-day validity period. Khan said the limited validity added to difficulties for property owners and buyers, particularly when transactions were delayed because of administrative issues.
The opposition member also criticised what he described as a complicated “seven-window operation.” He argued that instead of simplifying property transactions through a one-window mechanism, the current process had increased the number of offices and stages applicants must navigate.
Khan said the process could be particularly challenging for properties owned by multiple people because co-owners may face additional difficulties in completing transactions within the required period.
The opposition has called for immediate correction and updating of land records, along with better training and preparation for officials responsible for the system.
It has also demanded a user-friendly online portal for overseas Pakistanis to complete property-related procedures without repeatedly visiting government offices.
The motion further proposed an effective grievance redressal mechanism through which citizens could report problems and receive timely solutions.
According to the motion, concerns and frustration are growing among citizens over the implementation of the Green Property Certificate system.
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