Pakistan’s anti-corruption watchdog has announced sweeping reforms for the real estate sector, including the abolition of the widely used “file culture” and a ban on cash-based property transactions, 24NewsHD TV reported.
Addressing members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, NAB Chairman Lt Gen (r) Nazir Ahmed said property files would no longer have legal status within the next four to five months.
The practice of buying and selling plot files before the physical allocation or transfer of land has long been common in Pakistan’s real estate market, often drawing criticism for encouraging speculation and creating opportunities for fraud.
— The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Official (@LahoreChamber) June 8, 2026
Nazir said the reforms would introduce a more transparent property registration system, under which every plot would be assigned a unique barcode-linked identification number.
He added that a one-window operation and other administrative measures were also being introduced to streamline transactions and improve oversight.
The chairman said the changes were aimed at strengthening confidence in the real estate sector and reducing irregularities in property dealings.