'Technical glitch' halts property registrations

Growing registry backlog causes inconvenience to citizens

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi's district and tehsil registry offices have been unable to process property sales and purchases due to an internet system failure, leaving hundreds of residents unable to register property and power of attorney documents.

Sources said elderly and senior citizens are among those affected, and they are also struggling to provide the required on-camera statements for registry cases.

According to sources within the district registry office, the internet disruption has persisted for three days, preventing biometric verification from taking place as of Thursday, October 31.

Officials estimate the issue may continue for an additional two days.

While office sources cite an internet breakdown, representatives from the property sector suggest a different cause. Property dealers and the Stamp Vendors Union claim that the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) recent increase in official valuation rates for prime areas in Rawalpindi and Islamabad is responsible for the system crash.

They say the system will remain down until the updated rates are disclosed, which would raise registry fees and taxes.

Hasan Shah, Vice President of the Property Dealers Association, expressed frustration over the situation, saying, "The recent FBR price hike in posh areas has paralyzed the system. When management wants, the system fails, resulting in major losses for users."

Shah noted that citizens from abroad often return home without completing their biometric verification.

Mudassar Shaikh, President of the Stamp Vendors Union, echoed these concerns. He noted that the Lahore High Court (RHC) Rawalpindi Bench has directed the administration to update the outdated internet system for biometric authentication, yet technical issues persist.

He highlighted that property transactions have declined by 40-45 per cent, stalling the local market.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the registry backlog continues to grow, causing significant inconvenience to citizens.

The ongoing disruptions have sparked widespread frustration among residents, particularly those needing to finalise important transactions.