Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Following the Punjab government’s decision to make the Green Property Certificate (GPC) mandatory from July 1, 2026, for the sale and purchase of property, transfer of ownership, mortgage, gift deeds and other real estate transactions, a number of citizens, property owners and real estate stakeholders have expressed serious reservations over the practical implementation of the new system.
They say the strict conditions, multiple verification stages and repeated visits to different offices have made the process of obtaining the certificate extremely difficult, causing delays in property transactions at several places.
According to sources, the issuance of a Green Property Certificate does not merely require ownership documents. Applicants are also required to go through various stages along with two witnesses. In the first phase, verification is conducted before a surveyor, followed by scrutiny by a GIS manager and further processing at the land record centre.
Citizens say taking two witnesses repeatedly to different offices is not only time consuming but, in many cases, practically impossible.
People associated with the real estate sector say that if either the applicant or the witnesses are unavailable at any stage, the entire process may have to be restarted. This not only delays the issuance of the certificate but also affects sale and purchase agreements. They add that the situation has created uncertainty in the market, with investors also adopting a wait and see approach.
On the other hand, the Punjab government and the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) maintain that the Green Property Certificate is aimed at making land records secure, transparent and digital, while preventing fake transfers, bogus ownership documents and illegal occupation of land.
Under the new system, the traditional ownership document is being replaced with a verified certificate containing comprehensive confirmation of ownership, legal status, possession and other relevant details.
Officials say the new mechanism will make property transactions more reliable through digital verification, geographic location data through GIS, updated records and secure data systems, helping curb fraud, forged documents and double sales.
Experts say the core idea behind the Green Property Certificate is an important step toward transparency and legal protection in the real estate sector. However, they add that its success will depend on how easy the procedure is made for ordinary citizens.
They suggest that unnecessary stages should be reduced, requirements related to witnesses should be made more practical and effective, and most of the verification process should be shifted online or completed at a single centre. This, they say, would not only reduce public difficulties but also ensure that property sale and purchase transactions continue in a faster and more efficient manner.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Etihad Town has officially launched Etihad Town Phase IV, its latest residential development in Lahore, during a grand ceremony held at Faletti's Hotel in collaboration with Shahana Living. The launch marks another significant milestone for one of Pakistan's leading real estate developers as it expands its portfolio to nine projects nationwide and five developments within Lahore.
The event attracted strategic sales partners, investors, customers, business leaders, media representatives, and distinguished guests from across the country. Hosted by renowned television personalities Mikaal Zulfiqar and Vasay Chaudhry, the ceremony celebrated the unveiling of a project that aims to set new standards in modern urban living while reinforcing investor confidence in Pakistan's real estate sector.
Located on the strategically important Chenab Road, Etihad Town Phase IV has been launched with 100 percent approval from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), continuing the company's emphasis on regulatory compliance, transparency, and credibility. The project enjoys direct connectivity to four major road networks in Lahore and is seamlessly linked with Etihad Town Phases II and III, creating an integrated residential community designed to provide enhanced accessibility, convenience, and a modern lifestyle for residents.
The management attributed the company's continued growth to the strategic leadership of Chairman Chaudhary Munir and Executive Directors Ch Raheel Munir, Ch Faisal Munir, and Ch Sohail Munir, stating that their long-term vision has enabled the successful delivery of high-quality developments while maintaining customer confidence.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Operating Officer Sheikh Shujaullah Khan said Etihad Town Phase IV reflects the company's commitment to building future-ready communities through quality infrastructure, modern planning, and sustainable urban development. He said the project has been designed to meet the changing needs of homeowners while also offering strong long-term investment potential for buyers.
A major highlight of the evening was the premiere of the official television commercial for Etihad Town Phase IV, featuring well-known television host Tabish Hashmi. Speaking at the event, Hashmi praised the company's professional approach, vision, and commitment to excellence, describing his collaboration with the brand as a rewarding experience.
The developer also reaffirmed its reputation for delivering projects ahead of schedule, noting that it has already completed five developments before their promised timelines. According to the management, two additional projects are expected to be delivered by December 2026, further strengthening the company's standing for reliability, consistency, and timely execution within Pakistan's real estate industry.
Company officials said the recently announced real estate friendly measures in the federal budget have contributed to renewed confidence in the property market, creating favorable conditions for both investors and homebuyers. They maintained that with a strong record of regulatory compliance, premium developments, and on-time project delivery, Etihad Town continues to position itself among Pakistan's most trusted real estate developers.
The launch of Etihad Town Phase IV represents another important step in the company's long-term expansion strategy, reaffirming its commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality residential communities while contributing to the continued growth of Pakistan's real estate sector.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved the establishment of the Asset Management Authority of Punjab (AMAP), a new autonomous institution that will oversee the identification, management, valuation and monetisation of government owned land and other public assets across the province. The initiative is aimed at improving governance, enhancing transparency, increasing provincial revenues and ensuring the efficient utilisation of state-owned assets.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who approved the creation of the authority as part of the government's broader reforms to modernise public asset management and unlock the economic potential of underutilised government properties.
According to officials, AMAP will function as the province's central institution for all matters relating to government assets, including their identification, transfer, valuation, disposal, payments, marketing and long-term management. The authority will also develop a comprehensive database of provincial assets to ensure effective oversight and strategic planning.
The new authority will place particular emphasis on identifying government owned land and properties with strong investment and privatisation potential. It will adopt multiple commercial and financing models, including long term leasing, rental agreements, public private partnerships (PPPs), joint ventures and other investment structures to maximise the economic value of public assets while ensuring transparency and accountability.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant departments to increase provincial revenues by making better commercial use of public assets through carefully planned sale, lease and collateral financing mechanisms. She observed that Punjab had long lacked a dedicated institution responsible for managing its scattered public assets, resulting in inefficient utilisation and leaving many government properties vulnerable to illegal encroachments.
She said the establishment of AMAP would bring all provincial assets under a single autonomous authority, enabling better protection, professional management and more effective decision making. She added that the new system would improve coordination among government departments while ensuring that public resources are utilised in a manner that delivers long-term economic benefits for the province.
Officials informed the meeting that AMAP will operate under a governing board headed by the Chief Secretary of Punjab, while its day to day affairs will be managed by a Managing Director of BPS-20 rank. To strengthen institutional capacity and introduce modern asset management practices, qualified professionals from the private sector will also be inducted strictly on merit.
The meeting was further informed that all major decisions relating to the transfer, valuation and management of provincial assets will remain subject to the approval of the Punjab Cabinet, ensuring institutional oversight and transparency in the authority's operations.
The establishment of AMAP is expected to play a key role in strengthening Punjab's fiscal position by generating additional non-tax revenues, improving the protection of government assets, encouraging private investment and supporting sustainable economic development through more efficient management of public resources.