The property registration system in Rawalpindi has come to a complete standstill as the Punjab government and Revenue Department have yet to issue a formal notification for new taxes and fees applicable to commercial, residential, agricultural, intra-family, and gift property registries for the fiscal year 2026–27. This delay, combined with a sharp increase in property valuation rates ordered by the Deputy Commissioner, has paralyzed all registry operations for the past four days.
Valuation Rates Surge by Up to 500%
The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi has increased property valuation rates across urban, rural, and upscale areas by a range of 15% to 500%. This sudden and steep revision has effectively halted the processing of all property registries. According to officials, no registry has been processed in the last four days, leaving approximately 2,260 cases pending in the district registrar office and seven tehsil offices across the district.
Thousands of Pre-30 June Files Affected
In addition to the new pending cases, thousands of files that were submitted before 30 June—many of which already had taxes and fees paid—remain uncleared. Authorities have confirmed that the new tax rates will be applied retroactively to all pending cases, meaning buyers will be required to pay additional duties before their registries can be completed.
The absence of an official notification has also disabled the online registration system and halted the issuance of stamp papers from 1 July to 3 July. Officials stated that the revised DC rate circular has not yet reached the district offices, and no new registries will be processed until it is formally issued.
System Expected to Resume After 6 July
Officials have indicated that the system is expected to resume operations after Monday, 6 July, once the official notification and revised rate circular are distributed. However, stakeholders from property associations have voiced strong concerns, stating that the situation has severely disrupted business activities and legal proceedings. A court petition challenging the sharp increase in valuation rates is also underway.
According to a property association representative, the delay and uncertainty have created a backlog that could take weeks to clear, even after the system resumes. Buyers and sellers are urged to monitor official announcements from the Punjab Revenue Department for updates on the new tax rates and procedures.
