Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) Board has approved several key initiatives aimed at modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of land-related services in the province. These include the introduction of a franchising model, restructuring of Arazi Record Centres (ARCs), and the procurement of a digital authentication service to improve security and accessibility. These decisions mark a significant step in the authority’s long-term strategy to streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and facilitate easier access to land records for citizens.
During a recent board meeting, a proposal to acquire additional land for expanding the PLRA head office in Lahore was deferred, as the focus remained on immediate reforms that would directly impact service delivery. PLRA Chairman Chaudhry Tariq Subhani, speaking to The Express Tribune, emphasized that these measures align with the authority’s broader vision to enhance security and efficiency while ensuring citizens have smoother interactions with the land record system.
One of the most critical approvals was for the CNIC-MSISDN Pairing Authentication Service (CMPA), a new digital security mechanism that verifies a citizen’s mobile number against their computerized national identity card (CNIC). This system is expected to significantly reduce unauthorized access to land records and support the implementation of new services, including the franchising model. The service will be provided by the Pakistan MNP Database (PMD) Guarantee Limited, ensuring that only verified users can access their records through their registered mobile numbers.
To further tighten security, the board approved a policy requiring the use of a registered mobile number for all land record services. In cases where citizens do not have access to their registered mobile number, exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis by designated officers. The agreement also stipulates that the first 10 million transactions will be processed at a fixed rate of Rs15 per transaction, with no price escalation for three years. Beyond this limit, transaction costs will increase gradually over the contract period.
Another major reform involves the restructuring of Arazi Record Centres (ARCs) through the introduction of the One-Go Service Model. At present, citizens must navigate multiple counters for different services such as obtaining copies of land records and processing property mutations. The new model will consolidate all services under a single transferring officer, who will be responsible for biometric verification, payment processing, and service issuance. This restructuring aims to eliminate unnecessary delays, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall customer experience. Initially, the new model will be piloted in key districts, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, and Jhang, before a province-wide rollout is considered.
The PLRA Board also gave the green light to the Franchising of Services Regulations, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative that will allow private franchises to offer PLRA services in exchange for a licensing fee. By expanding service outlets beyond government-run centers, this move is expected to increase accessibility, reduce operational costs for the government, and generate additional revenue. Moreover, the franchise model is projected to create new employment opportunities and attract private investment, further stimulating local economic growth.
Under the franchising plan, licensing fees will be structured into platinum, gold, and silver tiers, allowing flexibility for potential franchise operators. In a bid to encourage experienced personnel to contribute to the expansion of land record services, PLRA employees who choose to resign and establish a franchise will be exempt from franchise fees for the first three years.
These reforms signal a major shift towards a more modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly land records management system in Punjab. By leveraging technology, streamlining processes, and involving the private sector, the PLRA aims to enhance service delivery, curb unauthorized access, and make land transactions more transparent and secure. As the implementation of these initiatives progresses, the impact on public convenience and government efficiency will become increasingly evident.
