Capital moves to paperless property deals

ISLAMABAD

Buying or selling property in Islamabad has often meant standing in long queues, filing heaps of paperwork, and facing uncertainty over the legality of transactions. That is now set to change with the launch of an electronic stamp paper system by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration.

The new system will digitise key processes such as property transfers, mutations, and sale or purchase transactions—reducing delays, minimizing human interaction, and cutting the risk of fraud.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said the initiative aims to resolve public grievances and enhance service delivery, ensuring a smoother and more secure experience for citizens navigating the property market.

He said the e-stamp system is part of a broader digital transformation drive to modernize land records and make public services more accessible. Residents will now be able to verify property ownership in real time and complete transactions without the bureaucratic hassle that has long plagued the process.

“I have been waiting months to complete the sale of my flat. If this system works as promised, it will save people like me a lot of time and frustration,” said Huma Khan, a local resident.

Another resident, Mustafa, welcomed the initiative, saying, “Digital records are a step in the right direction. It will reduce corruption and make property dealings much safer for buyers and sellers.”

A CDA spokesperson described the e-stamp system as ‘a move toward transparency’.