Islamabad: The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has introduced a One-Time Password (OTP) verification mechanism to strengthen the security and authenticity of stamp duty challan generation for property transactions across the province.
The clarification came in response to concerns raised by real estate expert Muhammad Ahsan Malik, who highlighted practical issues reportedly faced by buyers, sellers, and agents following recent system changes. According to PLRA, the newly introduced OTP requirement ensures that each transaction is verified through the registered mobile number of the concerned individual, reducing the risk of fraudulent challan generation.
In a letter addressed to Malik, the Chief Inspector Stamps, the Board of Revenue (BOR), and the Punjab government, PLRA stated that the mechanism aims to improve transparency and safeguard property-related revenue processes.
For overseas Pakistanis, PLRA has introduced an Email OTP verification process on the e-stamping portal. For organisations, NTN-based verification with OTP sent to the representative’s registered contact number is now mandatory.
Stakeholders, however, raised questions about whether the OTP requirement has been formally incorporated into the Punjab e-Stamp Rules, 2016. They argued that if no amendment has been made, the mechanism could face legal challenges.
Malik pointed out that several groups—particularly overseas Pakistanis, developers and builders, individuals without mobile SIMs registered in their name, and segments of the rural population—are currently unable to generate challans under the new requirement. He said this has led to a noticeable slowdown in the creation of stamp duty challans, causing difficulties for the public.
The real estate expert also recommended that PLRA allow FBR-registered real estate agents to generate stamp duty challans on behalf of clients from all categories to ensure smooth operations.
Stakeholders have urged the authority to intervene urgently to resolve the emerging issues and restore the seamless creation and export of stamp duty challans. PLRA has stated that the concerns raised have been addressed, though further clarity and facilitation measures may be needed to ensure ease of compliance for all user groups.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
