Punjab Green Property Certificate Mandatory from July 1, 2026: Traditional Fard Will Be Abolished
From July 1, 2026, the traditional Fard document will no longer be valid for property transactions across most districts of Punjab. The Punjab Land Records Authority has introduced the Green Property Certificate as the only legally recognized proof of ownership. Here is what every property buyer, seller and real estate agent needs to know before July 1.
A historic change in Punjab's centuries-old land administration system will take effect from July 1, 2026. The traditional Fard, the record-of-rights extract issued by patwaris that Pakistanis have used as proof of property ownership for generations, has been officially abolished for transactional purposes across most districts of Punjab.
In its place, the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has introduced the Green Property Certificate (GPC), a digital NADRA-linked document, that now serves as the only legally recognized proof of ownership, possession and legal status of property in Punjab.
What will change from July 1, 2026?
The Punjab Board of Revenue issued an official notification on June 22, 2026 suspending the issuance of record-of-rights extracts (Fard) for transactional purposes across all districts of Punjab except Sahiwal, Hafizabad and Lodhran. From July 1, no registrar or tehsildar office in Punjab will accept the old Fard document for property transactions.
The Green Property Certificate and Property Reports issued under the Punjab Land Records Authority (Management of Land Records) Regulations 2025 are now the only valid documents for all land record transactions in the affected districts.
Which Districts Are Affected?
The new system applies to all districts of Punjab except three districts (Sahiwal, Hafizabad and Lodhran) which will transition to the new system at a later date. All major cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Sialkot are fully covered under the new system from July 1.
What is the Green Property Certificate?
The Green Property Certificate is an official document issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) that verifies the ownership and legal status of a property. It confirms that the property is legally registered, free from disputes and recognized by government records. The certificate is integrated with NADRA, digital maps and the property registry system, making it a fully digital and tamper-proof ownership document.
PLRA Chairman Tariq Subhani described the change as a historic reform in Punjab's centuries-old land administration system. He stated that the Green Property Certificate verifies both ownership and possession, something the old Fard system could not guarantee, and will eliminate the widespread fraud and forgery that plagued property transactions under the patwari system.
What About the Fee?
The subsidized fee of Rs. 900 for obtaining the Green Property Certificate will expire on June 30, 2026. From July 1, the standard fee structure applies. Buyers and sellers should check the current fee at their nearest PLRA service center or on the official PLRA website at punjab-zameen.gov.pk before applying.
What Does This Mean for Property Buyers and Sellers?
If you are buying or selling property anywhere in Punjab, whether in a housing scheme, on agricultural land or in a residential area, you must now obtain and present a Green Property Certificate instead of the old Fard document. Registrars and tehsildar offices will not process transactions based on the old Fard from July 1 onwards.
Property buyers are strongly advised to verify the Green Property Certificate of any property before making payment. The certificate confirms ownership, possession and legal status, reducing the risk of fraud significantly compared to the old system.
How to Get the Green Property Certificate?
We have published a complete step-by-step guide covering the full application process, documents required, fee structure and common issues. Read the complete Green Property Certificate guide on AtaPata Blog →
Find trusted real estate agents in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad on AtaPata.pk who can guide you through the new property documentation process.
PLRA Contact Information
- Address: 2-Kilometer Main Multan Road, Opposite EME-DHA Housing Society, Lahore
- Phone: (042) 99330111, 99330112
- Complaints: (042) 111-22-22-77 (Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Website: punjab-zameen.gov.pk
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