Buying land in Islamabad or Rawalpindi can be an exciting investment, especially for overseas Pakistanis. But here’s the catch: real estate fraud is common—and if you don’t verify land ownership before buying, you could lose millions and end up in legal trouble.
Whether you’re eyeing a residential plot or commercial land, ownership verification is your number one shield against scams. Also read about the best real estate company Islamabad for more information.
In this guide, we break down how you can legally and safely verify land ownership in the twin cities—step by step.
1. Why Land Ownership Verification Is Critical
Still wondering why it’s important? Here’s why:
✅ Avoid buying land that’s already sold or under dispute
✅ Ensure the seller is the actual legal owner
✅ Confirm the land belongs to an approved society
✅ Protect your investment from being challenged in court
✅ Prevent emotional and financial stress later
2. Authorities Involved in Land Verification
Depending on where the property is located, different departments are responsible:
Islamabad
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Capital Development Authority (CDA)
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Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Land Revenue Department
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Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for valuation
Rawalpindi
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Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA)
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Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA)
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Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) for semi-urban areas
3. Steps to Verify Land Ownership in Islamabad
Step 1: Confirm Society’s Legal Status
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Visit www.cda.gov.pk
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Go to “Approved Housing Societies” section
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Search for the society name
Step 2: Request Land Documents
Ask the seller or agent for:
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Fard (Record of Rights)
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Registry/Intiqal (Transfer deed)
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Allotment or Possession Letter
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Site plan or map
Step 3: Visit the ICT Land Revenue Office
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Visit or call the ICT Land Records Center in G-11/4, Islamabad
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Provide the plot details to verify ownership
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Make sure land is not under dispute or mutation
Step 4: Verify with CDA (for CDA Sectors Only)
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Call or visit the CDA One Window Directorate
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Provide plot number and sector name for ownership check
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You can also request NOC or possession confirmation
4. Steps to Verify Land Ownership in Rawalpindi
Step 1: Check if Society is RDA Approved
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Visit www.rda.gop.pk
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Find the list of approved and illegal housing schemes
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Avoid societies listed under “unauthorized”
Step 2: Verify Land Documents
Request from the seller:
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Fard-e-Malkiat (ownership paper)
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Registry
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Mutation (Intiqal) record
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Transfer Letter (if it’s a society plot)
Step 3: Use the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA)
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Visit www.punjab-zameen.gov.pk
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Enter CNIC of landowner or Khewat/Khasra Number
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You can verify:
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Land area
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Ownership status
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Property type (residential, agricultural, etc.)
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Step 4: In-Person Verification
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Visit Arazi Record Center (ARC) in Rawalpindi
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Provide CNIC or property details
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Request certified copy of Fard Malkiat
5. Red Flags to Watch Out For
🚩 No original documents provided
🚩 Seller refuses third-party verification
🚩 Discrepancies in plot size or location
🚩 Society is on RDA/CDA blacklist
🚩 Property is under “stay order” from court
If anything seems suspicious—pause the deal immediately.
6. Hire a Legal Consultant or Property Lawyer
Sometimes it’s worth paying a little to save a lot. A property lawyer can:
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Verify land records on your behalf
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Draft or review sale agreements
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Check for pending litigation or disputed status
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Guide you in safe property transfer procedures
7. Use e-Services for Quick Checks
You can now verify land details using digital portals:
📱 PLRA Mobile App
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For Punjab land records
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Easy search with CNIC or Khasra number
🌐 FBR Property Valuation Table
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Check declared values for tax calculation
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Avoid overpaying
8. What is a Fard-e-Malkiat?
This is the most important document that proves who legally owns a piece of land.
Includes:
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Owner’s name
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Khasra and Khewat numbers (unique plot identifiers)
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Area and location of land
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History of ownership transfers
Always ask for a certified copy from the land revenue office—not a photocopy from the seller.
9. Final Tips Before Making Payment
✅ Verify all documents before handing over money
✅ Use legal channels—no “cash under the table”
✅ Visit the site physically or ask for live video proof
✅ Make payments through bank with proper receipts
✅ Get a sale agreement signed by both parties
Conclusion
Buying land in Islamabad or Rawalpindi? Don’t skip verification—it’s your first line of defense against fraud. With digital systems now in place, verifying ownership has become easier, faster, and more transparent.
Whether you’re a first-time investor or an overseas buyer, follow this guide step by step to protect your investment and ensure complete peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Can I verify land ownership online in Islamabad?
Yes, but mostly for CDA-approved sectors. Use CDA’s One Window service or visit the land revenue office in person.
2. How do I check if a housing society is legal?
Visit the official CDA or RDA website and check their list of approved societies.
3. What’s the safest document to confirm ownership?
The Fard-e-Malkiat from the land revenue office is the most reliable proof.
4. Can overseas Pakistanis verify land remotely?
Yes, through a Power of Attorney or using online verification portals like PLRA.
5. What if I already bought land but later found it was disputed?
Immediately consult a property lawyer and approach the local land records office. Legal action may be necessary.
