Citizens’ protest against Pindi’s failing governance

Rawalpindi : For over two years, Rawalpindi has remained trapped in a cycle of poor governance and deteriorating living conditions, leaving residents to struggle with countless issues. The daily hardships of ordinary citizens continue to mount, yet those in power remain indifferent, turning a blind eye to the worsening situation.

Frustrated by inaction, affected residents have announced plans to stage a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in protest against the failure of governance. One of the most glaring examples of this mismanagement is the rampant corruption in Rawalpindi’s Tehsil and Cant Registry Branch. This institution has effectively become a ‘corruption market’, where an unchecked mafia exploits the public at will. For over three months, higher authorities have failed to appoint a regular Sub-Registrar, allowing private middlemen and touts to dominate the system and extort bribes from desperate citizens.

Thousands of affected individuals have reported that, despite paying all government dues, they are still waiting for their legal property registries. Private agents and touts are demanding exorbitant bribes—ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000—to process these legal documents. Those who refuse to pay are left in limbo.

Several senior advocates, including Advocate Mian Muhammad Shahid, Advocate Chaudhry Nasir, Advocate Chaudhry Zahid, Advocate Sheikh Muhammad Naeem, and Advocate Mian Tariq, have decided to file a writ petition against corrupt officials and private mafias. They accuse certain government employees of deliberately stalling property registrations to pressure citizens into paying bribes. “We have issued tokens to applicants and are releasing registries after verifying legal formalities,” claimed Jawad Hasnain Malik, Sub-Registrar (Cant), who also holds additional charge of the Tehsil Office. He further stated that he is actively monitoring the corruption within registry branches, though citizens argue that the situation remains unchanged.

The digitalization of land records and the introduction of e-registration were meant to streamline property transactions, but they have instead created further complications for Rawalpindi’s citizens. Even during Ramazan, residents are struggling to get their properties registered at the Tehsil Office, Raja Bazaar. Despite repeated complaints to the district administration and the Board of Revenue, no concrete action has been taken. According to citizens, registry approvals have been stuck for months, and efforts by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue, Captain (retd) Shehryar Shirazi, to resolve the crisis have yielded no results. Many claim that only those willing to pay bribes in advance are receiving any assistance, while others are ignored. There are also allegations that documents are collected from citizens without issuing receipts, further deepening concerns of fraud and exploitation.

Women visiting the registry office have reported experiencing humiliation and frustration. "We have been waiting here since morning, but there is no one to address our grievances," complained a distressed woman. "Instead of a system to help us, all we hear are demands for money." Despite repeated appeals, authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, have failed to intervene. Citizens are now urging the Punjab Chief Minister to take immediate action, crack down on corruption, and remove unauthorized private agents from registry branches.

The ongoing crisis in Rawalpindi’s governance is reaching a boiling point, with growing public anger and looming protests. If immediate reforms are not introduced, the city may witness an escalation of unrest as frustrated citizens take matters into their own hands.