Property fraud is a real risk in Pakistan, so before you buy, rent, or accept land as collateral, it’s worth verifying ownership records yourself rather than relying only on the seller’s paperwork. Each province now offers an online way to check these records, though the exact process and how far you can go without visiting an office differs by region. Here’s how it works wherever your property is located.
What You’re Actually Checking: The Fard
In Pakistan, the core ownership document is called a “fard” (also spelled “fard-e-malkiat”). It shows the registered owner’s name, the Khewat/Khatooni and Khasra numbers that identify the specific land parcel, and any loans or liens against the property. An online copy is useful for a quick check, but for an actual sale, transfer, or legal dispute, you should always get a certified or attested fard issued directly by the relevant land records office — never rely on a plain printout alone.
Punjab: Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA)
Official portal: https://www.punjab-zameen.gov.pk
- Go to the official PLRA website and look for the “Online Fard” or “Get Online Fard” option.
- Search using your district, tehsil, and mauza (village/area), along with the Khewat number, Khatooni number, or the owner’s CNIC/name.
- Review the matching record, which shows ownership details and any registered encumbrances.
- For a certified copy that’s valid for official or legal use, you’ll need to visit your nearest Arazi Record Centre (ARC) in person, where biometric verification is required before issuance.
PLRA also offers a mobile app and an “Arazi Moawin” facilitation service if you need help locating the right record or office.
Sindh: Board of Revenue Sindh
Official portal: https://sindhzameen.gos.pk
- Visit the Sindh Zameen portal run by the Board of Revenue.
- Search by your district, taluka, and deh (the Sindh equivalent of a village/area), along with the owner’s CNIC or name.
- View the available ownership record online.
- As with Punjab, a certified copy for legal or transactional use typically requires an in-person visit to your local revenue office.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: KP Land Records
Official portal: https://kplr.gkp.pk
- Go to the KP Land Records portal.
- Search using the survey number, owner’s name, or location details.
- Review the record shown online.
Keep in mind that in some rural and newly merged districts of KP, land records are still maintained manually and may not yet be fully digitized — if your search comes up empty, you may need to check directly with the local Patwari or tehsildar office.
Islamabad: Through the Pak App
Islamabad’s land records, administered by the CDA alongside NITB and ICTA, have moved to the unified Pak App rather than a dedicated public ownership-lookup website. Based on current information:
- Download the Pak App, or visit your nearest Citizen Facilitation Desk if you’d rather apply in person.
- Apply for your official fard (land ownership record) through the app.
- Complete identity verification — this uses your NADRA CNIC, biometric authentication, and an OTP sent to your phone.
- Track your application status in real time through the app.
This service is built around verifying your own property record using your own CNIC, rather than an open public search of any property by a third party. If you need to verify someone else’s property in Islamabad — for example, before a purchase — contact the CDA or the housing society directly, as third-party lookups may be restricted for privacy and fraud-prevention reasons.
Why an Online Printout Isn’t Enough on Its Own
- Online records can lag behind recent transactions or court orders, especially in areas still catching up on digitization.
- A plain online printout usually isn’t accepted as legal proof of ownership for a sale, loan, or court matter — you need a certified/attested fard from the relevant office.
- Fraudulent sellers have in the past used manipulated or outdated documents, so cross-checking with the issuing office directly adds an extra layer of protection.
Extra Steps Before Any Property Transaction
- Get a certified fard directly from the land records office, not just an online copy.
- Check for any pending loans, mortgages, or court cases attached to the property.
- Confirm the seller’s CNIC matches the name on the ownership record exactly.
- If the property is in a housing society, verify its file status directly with the society’s own records office as well, since society records and the government land record don’t always update at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online fard printout legally valid for a property sale?
No. Treat it as a preliminary check only. For an actual transaction, get a certified or attested fard issued in person by the relevant land records office.
What if I can’t find a property’s record online?
Some areas, particularly rural and newly merged districts in KP, still rely on manual records. Visit the local Patwari, tehsildar, or revenue office directly if an online search doesn’t return a result.
Can I check someone else’s property online without their consent?
Basic ownership searches are generally available on the Punjab and Sindh portals using location and Khewat/Khasra details. In Islamabad, however, the current Pak App process is built around verifying your own CNIC-linked record, so checking another person’s property there may require going through the CDA directly.
What documents do I need to search for a property record?
At minimum, the district, tehsil/taluka, and village/mauza/deh where the property is located, plus either the Khewat/Khatooni/Khasra number or the owner’s CNIC/name.
A quick online check is a good first step before any property dealing, but it shouldn’t be your last one — always follow up with a certified fard and a direct check with the issuing office before you commit to anything.
