RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has said it will soon launch a digital property transfer and online building plan approval systems in a few months.
The announcement was made at a meeting held to discuss facilitation of housing schemes and their regulators through electronic registration, an online property transfer system and approval of building plans under an integrated digital framework.
The meeting was chaired by RDA Additional Director General Mohammad Anwar Baran and attended by officials of the civic body and Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA).
During the session, Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor, a representative of PLRA, said housing schemes will be on board through their respective regulators using an online web portal for which functional prototypes had already been developed. He stated that housing schemes will utilise the Property Transfer System (PTS) for securing transactions and transferring properties.
RDA says complete data collected for issuing QR codes on housing society files
The approval of building plans will be carried out through the online web portal, ensuring transparency, accountability, and time-bound processing.
Ghafoor added that the property transfer system will be formally launched from February 15, after which the manual system will be completely phased out.
The digital system will provide ease and convenience to the general public by enabling simple online applications, quicker access to approvals and NOCs, reduction in human intervention and facilitation in marketing and sale of plots, thereby promoting transparency, efficiency, and good governance in the real estate sector.
The RDA management emphasised its commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the digital transformation initiative.
The authority said continuous support and training will be provided to ensure a smooth transition to the online systems.
The additional director general reaffirmed that the authority would not tolerate any form of illegal or unauthorised development, especially in areas declared sensitive by regulatory bodies. He added that strict enforcement operations will continue to protect public interest, ensure urban planning discipline and prevent fraudulent development practices.
“RDA strongly advises citizens to avoid investing in unauthorised housing schemes and to verify the legal status of any project through official RDA platforms before making financial commitments.”
He directed the MP&TE directorate to take strict actions against all illegal/unauthorised housing schemes, commercial activities, booking offices and encroachments.
The RDA reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of citizens, ensuring strict compliance with urban development laws and taking decisive action against any form of fraud or malpractice within its jurisdiction.
“The authority remains determined to uphold transparency, strengthen internal accountability mechanisms, and safeguard the public interest against any exploitation.”
The meeting was informed that all illegal housing societies were under RDA’s scrutiny, and complete data had been collected for issuing QR codes on housing society files. Housing societies with valid NOCs are legally recognised, and the QR code system has been activated to protect citizens from fraud. RDA’s actions against illegal housing schemes have also been appreciated by the NAB.
Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2026