The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) Board has approved proposals for the introduction of a franchising model, restructuring of Arazi Record Centres (ARCs) and the procurement of a digital authentication service.
In a meeting, the board deferred a proposal to acquire additional land for expanding the authority's head office in Lahore.
PLRA Chairman Chaudhry Tariq Subhani, speaking to The Express Tribune on Tuesday, stated that the board's agenda focused on initiatives aligned with the authority's long-term strategy to enhance efficiency, security and accessibility in land-related services.
He highlighted that one of the most significant approvals was for the CNIC-MSISDN Pairing Authentication Service (CMPA), a digital security mechanism that verifies citizens' mobile phone number against their computerised national identity card (CNIC). The system is expected to bolster security, prevent unauthorised access to sensitive land records and facilitate new service initiatives such as the franchising model.
It was decided that the Pakistan MNP Database (PMD) Guarantee Limited will provide the service, ensuring that only verified users can access land records through their registered mobile numbers.
Under the agreement, the first 10 million transactions will be processed at a fixed rate of Rs15 per transaction, with no price escalation for three years. Beyond this limit, transaction costs will increase gradually over the contract period.
Additionally, the PLRA Board mandated the use of a registered mobile number for all land record services, with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis by designated officers.
Another major decision was the approval of a One-Go Service Model for Arazi Record Centres, designed to streamline the land transaction process.
Currently, citizens must visit multiple counters for services such as obtaining copies of land records or processing property mutations. Under the new model, a single transferring officer will handle all steps, including biometric verification, payment processing and service issuance, at a single counter.
This restructuring aims to reduce wait times, eliminate unnecessary delays and improve the overall customer experience. The board approved a pilot implementation at selected ARCs in key districts, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura and Jhang.
The board also approved the PLRA Franchising of Services Regulations, 2025, which will allow private franchises to offer Punjab Land Records Authority services in exchange for a licensing fee. This initiative is expected to enhance public accessibility by increasing the number of service outlets across the province while reducing government operational costs. Additionally, it is projected to generate revenue and stimulate local economic growth by creating employment and investment opportunities.
Under the plan, franchise fees will be categorised into platinum, gold and silver tiers. PLRA employees who resign to establish a franchise will be exempt from franchise fees for the first three years.
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