Internet disruptions halt e-registration of properties

RAWALPINDI:

The computerised registration system of properties in the offices of tehsil and property registrar has halted due to the internet connectivity problem, leaving a good number of visitors in a state of disarray. Elderly people and women coming from distant areas in the sweltering heat of summer are returning in the evening disappointed.

The revenue targets of the registration branch have also fallen short due to the malfunctioning of the internet system. Citizens and property dealers, who want to avoid paying a 10% increase in the official rates (which will be applicable from July 1, 2024) for all areas, are also facing difficulties.

According to the stamp paper sellers and citizens, the internet of the property registration branch of the Tehsil Office and the Urban and Rural Registry Branches in Rawalpindi malfunctions every morning and doesn’t work for up to three days. If it starts working, it runs very slowly, leaving the e-registration system almost paralysed.

They say several verbal and written complaints to the Deputy Commissioner and Tahsildar bore no fruit.

Citizen Hajiullah Dad says he has been coming for the sale of property for the last three days but he is facing difficulty due to the internet issue.

Similarly, stamp seller Iqbal says the internet is available two to three times during working hours, but goes down. The same situation has been happening for the last three months. Link-down has also become normal in Urban-Rural Registration Offices, he laments.

Iqbal demanded the restoration of the manual registry system side-by-side e-registration till June 30 for the convenience of citizens and achievement of tax collection targets.

Meanwhile, visitors of the Tehsil Office find no place to sit beneath shades and even buy water from their pockets. They have demanded the administration to immediately install a water cooler in the Tehsil Office.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.