Two Dehs’ record of rights to be digitised as pilot project

Followed by the development of different software to digitise manual records, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved the digitisation of the record of rights of two Dehs (one rural and the other urban) within the next six weeks as a pilot project.

During a meeting of the Board of Revenue he chaired at the CM House, Shah was told that applicants must follow several steps to obtain a sales certificate under the current system. First they need to submit an online application through the web portal; then they must visit a bank to make the payment and obtain a stamp paper; next they are required to file an online application for e-registration and undergo verification of the sales certificate from the multi-marker.

After this, another visit to the sub-registrar’s office is necessary for scrutiny, biometric verification and the approval or the issuance of the certificate.

Following these steps, applicants must engage with the Mukhtiarkar for mutation, and finally, they need to go through the processes of scanning, indexing and obtaining a true copy of the application at the relevant offices.

Shah expressed dissatisfaction, and said the procedure for obtaining a sales certificate, mutation and other requirements should consist of two steps instead of the current eight to nine steps.

He emphasised the need for a peoples service centre for biometric and automatic transfer of titles. He suggested that applications and tax or fee payments be made online, utilising an e-payment system, and that an automated mutation system be implemented.

He approved a pilot project for the digital land title transfer in Deh Bhorko and Deh Palijani of Taluka and District Matiari. This initiative will be based on the Sindh Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, which establishes the legal framework for digital transformation.

He also approved the Sindh Digitalisation of Record of Rights (Special Revision) Rules, 2025, which aims to create a digital database for title verification in future transactions. The Sindh Digital Land Title Transfer Rules, 2025, defines the processes for seamless digital land title transfers.

Key provisions of the Sindh Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, as approved by the CM, include the development of a central database for hosting digital land records and titles, accessible through an online platform.

Shah said the digital transfer of land titles would be a technology-driven and faceless process, minimising in-person interactions. Automated title verification will occur through integration with the central database, featuring biometric title transfers using Nadra integration.

Moreover, integration with tax systems will ensure efficient tax calculation and payment, with escrow accounts established for secure transactions. Key features of the transcription and verification process include highlighting any encumbrances, allowing 15 days for public inspection and objection, and an additional 15 days for resolution.

Authorised officers will verify and certify the digitised records. Existing records will be sealed and preserved under the Mukhtiarkar’s custody as part of the Taluka Cell. Digital entries can be appealed under the Sindh Land Revenue Act, 1967.

The Sindh Digital Land Title Transfer Rules, 2025, also establishes a mechanism for secure digital land title transfers through a dedicated web portal for public facilitation.

The qualifications and key performance indicators for authorised officers will be defined by the revenue board, and their performance will be reviewed annually by a committee of stakeholders. A public portal will be made available for accessing land records and tracking application status, with a property card issued as the official title document.