Patwari system has become outdated: SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday observed that the system of Patwaris and Tehsildars should be replaced with an alternative one as it has become outdated and is extremely deplorable and has massive corruption. The court would hear the review petitions after receiving replies from all the provinces over the matter of Patwaris and Tehsildars, it added. A three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial expressed these remarks during the hearing. During the course of proceedings, the Balochistan additional advocate general appeared before the bench and pleaded the court to grant some time for submission of a comprehensive reply.

While Advocate Generals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab also sought time for submission of their replies. Thecounsel for the petitioner said Transfer of Property Act was not imposed on Balochistan. He said originally this was the issue of Lahore and due to court orders it was applied throughout the country. He said the matter of Balochistan was different.

Justice Faisal Arab said cities widened due to inclusion of rural areas in the cities. That's why, these problems now spread to rural areas with urban areas, he added. The counsel for the petitioner said there are still areas in Islamabad that are not in the CDA jurisdiction. The review petition regarding powers of Patwaris and Tehsildars of the country was adjourned till date in office.