New land rules aim to curb land mafia
The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on the registration and approval of land mutations based on oral transactions, aiming to strengthen transparency, legality, and proper documentation in land transfer procedures.
The decision was formally communicated through detailed instructions issued by the Board of Revenue (BoR) under the Punjab Land Revenue Act and other relevant laws.
Written Documentation Made Mandatory
According to the official notification, no land mutation will be entered or sanctioned on the basis of an oral agreement in cases involving:
- Sale
- Mortgage
- Exchange
- Gift
However, inheritance cases have been exempted and will continue to be processed strictly in accordance with existing legal provisions.
The BoR clarified that land ownership or transfer rights will only be recognised when supported by a duly registered legal instrument, as required under the Registration Act, 1908, read with the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Strict Enforcement Across Punjab
Following the notification, Multan Division Commissioner Amir Karim Khan directed all revenue officials to ensure strict and immediate compliance.
The instructions have been officially conveyed to:
- Deputy Commissioners
- Assistant Commissioners
- Tehsildars
- Naib Tehsildars
The commissioner warned that any violation of these directives will result in disciplinary action under applicable service rules, stressing that the ban has taken effect immediately with zero tolerance for non-compliance.
Move Aimed at Transparency and Anti-Fraud Measures
Commissioner Khan described the ban as a significant reform to enhance transparency and legal discipline within the land mutation system.
He added that prohibiting oral land transactions will help:
- Curb land mafia activities
- Prevent fraudulent and illegal transfers
- Protect public and private property rights
- Strengthen the credibility of the revenue administration