A wrong name, a wrong area, or a missing heir in your fard can stop a sale, a bank loan, or a mutation. If you need to correct a land record in Punjab, the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has a defined process. The right route depends on what kind of mistake it is. This guide explains the four types of correction, the documents you need, and when you need a court order.
Why Land Record Errors Matter
Land records are the base for property sales, inheritance, and loans. An error can delay all of these. Common mistakes include a misspelled owner name, a wrong area such as kanal and marla, a wrong CNIC number, and an incomplete inheritance entry.
First, check the current record. A fard shows exactly what the system holds, so you can point to the entry that is wrong.
Four Types of Land Record Correction in Punjab
PLRA lists four main types of correction. The table shows what each one fixes and who handles it.
| Type | What It Fixes | Who Handles It |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry correction | Computer record does not match the scanned manual record | Service Centre Official prepares it; ADLR or LRO approves it |
| Manual record correction | Errors in old paper records such as jamabandi and mutations | Patwari or Qanoongo through Fard Badar |
| Mutation correction | Errors in a mutation | The revenue officer or the District Collector |
| Name correction | Minor spelling errors in a name | ADLR or LRO, with witnesses |
Here, ADLR means the Assistant Director Land Records, and LRO means the Land Record Officer. They are the officers who approve corrections after verification.
Where to Apply
You can apply at your concerned Arazi Record Centre (ARC) or Dahi Markaz Mall, depending on the nature of the correction. PLRA’s page also mentions an online form and a visit to the local Patwari or revenue office. However, PLRA’s home page listed correction of records under future services in October 2026. For this reason, plan to apply in person and ask the staff whether an online form is open.
Documents You Need
- Your original CNIC and a copy.
- Proof of ownership, such as the registry or mutation.
- An affidavit explaining the error.
- Old manual records or other documents that support your claim.
- Two witnesses for a name correction, preferably a Lumberdar and a Pattidar of the same revenue estate.
How to Correct a Land Record in Punjab: Step by Step
- Get your current fard. Identify the exact wrong entry.
- Decide the type of correction. Use the table above to see which one fits.
- Prepare your documents. Write the affidavit and collect your ownership proof.
- Visit the Arazi Record Centre. Take a token and explain the error to the service centre staff.
- Complete biometric verification. PLRA uses NADRA biometric checks to prevent impersonation.
- Wait for approval. The ADLR or LRO approves the correction after verification.
- Check the updated record. Verify the corrected entry on the PLRA website afterward.
If you cannot attend in person, someone else can file for you with a valid, attested general power of attorney. Biometric checks still apply.
How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?
PLRA says a data entry correction can be completed within about 30 minutes, if the documents are verified and no objection is raised. It says a name correction normally finishes within one working day after verification. The authority also states that correction of record and mutation correction are free of cost. Staff or a bank may still charge for related services, so ask at the counter.
Name Corrections: What Is Allowed?
Only minor spelling errors can be fixed through the ADLR. A full change of name needs a Civil Court order, or an order from the District Collector or Tehsildar.
If the wrong name appears in the registry itself, correct the registry at the Sub-Registrar office first. After that, update the land record at the ARC.
When You Need a Court or Collector Order
The Patwari’s Fard Badar works only for small clerical mistakes. These include spelling, measurement, or typing errors that do not affect anyone’s ownership.
If the mistake touches another person’s rights, the correction needs an order from the District Collector or a Civil Court. The same applies to long-standing wrong entries. In that case, obtain a court order and then bring it to the ARC.
Mutations also have a time limit. The revenue officer who approved a mutation can review it only before it enters the periodical record, which is the jamabandi. After that, the regular correction process through the District Collector applies.
What If Your Application Is Rejected?
You can appeal before the Assistant Commissioner or the District Collector, depending on the case. If a correction itself is wrong, send a written complaint to the PLRA complaint cell, or go to the Civil Court. You can also report service problems through PLRA’s helpline or the complaint system in the Punjab Zameen app.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a clerical correction to settle a boundary or share dispute.
- Skipping the registry correction when the error is in the registry itself.
- Bringing photocopies when the ARC asks for originals.
- Paying agents who promise to fix a record without a biometric visit.
- Forgetting to check the updated record after approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to correct a land record in Punjab?
PLRA says correction of record and mutation correction are free of cost.
Where do I apply for a correction?
Apply at your concerned Arazi Record Centre or Dahi Markaz Mall, depending on the correction type.
Can someone else apply for me?
Yes, with a valid and attested general power of attorney. Biometric verification is still required.
Can I change my name completely in the record?
No. The ADLR handles only minor corrections. A full change needs a court or Collector order.
What if the error affects someone else’s rights?
You will need an order from the District Collector or a Civil Court.
Conclusion
To correct a land record in Punjab, identify the type of error, collect your ownership proof and an affidavit, and visit your Arazi Record Centre for biometric verification. Minor clerical errors are quick and free, while disputes need a court or Collector order. Procedures can change, so confirm the latest steps at your ARC. For more guides on property and public services, keep reading Pakistan Post. You can also visit the official PLRA correction page for the latest information.
