Less paper, less fraud

This letter refers to the news report ‘Measures to digitize e-stamp paper system approved’ (August 24, 2024). Right now, the prevalent stamp paper system is mainly run by stamp paper vendors. Many of these vendors have fake notarized stamps. Anyone can get any document like affidavits, purchase deeds and property or vehicle transfer attestations etc through these vendors who affix the stamp of any advocate without carrying out any verification or confirmation. They charge huge sums of money for these illicit services. It is surprising that our law-enforcement agencies and legal fraternities are aware of this false and bogus practice but remain silent. Amidst this state of affairs, the Punjab Board of Revenue’s decision to modernize and set right the prevalent procedure should be welcomed. It is suggested that the present vendor system should be abolished and the banks should be fully authorized to issue e-stamp papers of all nominations after going through an in-depth verification of the claims and claimants.

Engr M Hafeez ur Rahman

Islamabad