KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced the launch of a digital property registration system aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis, describing it as a major administrative reform to address long standing challenges faced by expatriates in property transactions. Under the new mechanism, overseas Pakistanis will be able to complete sale deeds online through Pakistani missions abroad, eliminating the requirement to appear in person at registration offices following amendments to the Sindh Registration Act. The initiative is designed to simplify procedures and enhance accessibility for citizens residing outside the country.
The system is integrated with NADRA and incorporates biometric and facial verification to strengthen transparency and security in property transactions. According to the minister, these safeguards are intended to restore the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and help curb property related fraud. In addition, the e stamping system has been transferred to Sindh Information Technology Company under a five year service agreement valued at Rs7 million per month with a 10 percent annual increase. The move is being positioned as a step toward greater digital autonomy for the province, while enabling paperless stamp duty processing, two factor authentication, and access through a dedicated mobile application. Officials believe the digitized framework will improve revenue collection and reduce procedural delays.
Sharjeel also outlined several additional policy measures and development initiatives. He announced plans to establish a modern fruit and vegetable market in Larkana at a cost of Rs4.8 billion, featuring infrastructure such as a boundary wall, drainage system, administrative block, medical facilities, banking services, and a green belt to support farmers and traders. The minister further stated that consumer courts will be converted into traffic courts to expedite traffic related cases. Addressing financial matters, he disclosed that Rs342 billion remains frozen in 635 cases in the form of bank guarantees, affecting development activities. The Sindh cabinet has approved a settlement of the Sindh Development and Maintenance of Infrastructure Cess dispute, under which 15 percent of admitted dues will be paid in three phases and the remaining balance recovered in 12 annual installments.
He added that under the Export Facilitation Scheme, full exemption on re exports is being granted to promote trade. The government has also expanded protected mangrove areas in the Indus Delta by declaring 405,002 acres of intertidal land in Sujawal district as protected forest. This expansion will add to the existing 566,298 hectares already designated in the region, strengthening natural defenses against cyclones and tidal surges. The minister noted that while international standards recommend 25 percent forest cover, Sindh currently has around 10 percent protected or reserved forest area, making conservation efforts a priority alongside digital governance reforms.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
