Punjab eases property rules for overseas Pakistanis

In a significant development, Punjab has implemented a new provision that allows overseas Pakistanis to purchase and sell property without encountering legal obstacles. This provision, which is part of an amendment to a law dating back a century, is designed to simplify the process for expatriates residing abroad. The key objective of this initiative is to enable overseas Pakistanis to register property sale deeds at their respective embassies, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming trips to Pakistan.

The amendment primarily focuses on revising Section-31 of the Registration Act 1908. Previously, under the existing law, overseas Pakistanis were mandated to visit the relevant embassies to register power of attorney for property transactions within Pakistan. However, with the amended law now in effect, overseas Pakistanis can directly submit sale deed statements at the Pakistani embassy in their host country, thereby streamlining the buying and selling process.

Prior to this crucial change, overseas Pakistanis often faced legal complexities when engaging in property transactions, which sometimes resulted in instances of fraud and deceit. By modernizing the registration process, the government aims to offer a more efficient and secure mechanism for overseas Pakistanis to conduct property transactions without unnecessary complications.

The introduction of this new provision marks a significant step towards facilitating overseas Pakistanis in their property dealings, ensuring a smoother and more secure process. This initiative not only simplifies the legal procedures but also aims to protect expatriates from potential fraud, ultimately enhancing their experience in buying and selling property in Pakistan.