Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
In a significant move to stimulate the real estate sector, the Punjab government has reduced stamp duty on property transactions to a uniform rate of 1% across the province through the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026.
The ordinance, approved on April 10, replaces the previous structure under which urban areas were charged 1% while rural regions faced a higher rate of 3%. Officials say the new unified rate is aimed at reducing transaction costs, eliminating regional disparities, and making property transfers more straightforward.
According to official details, the amendment to the Stamp Act, 1899 standardises the duty on immovable property transactions at 1% and introduces additional provisions to regulate assignment and transfer agreements. Under the revised framework, transactions completed within 12 months will be subject to the 1% duty, while those extending beyond that period could face an increased rate of up to 2%, introducing a time-based mechanism.
Authorities believe the reform will enhance transparency, expand the tax base, and promote documented transactions, especially in rural and peri urban areas where higher duties previously discouraged formal registration.
A key feature of the ordinance is the introduction of the concept of an “assignable deed,” granting legal recognition to transferable agreements and helping bring informal property arrangements into the formal system.
As an ordinance, the measure has immediate legal effect but is temporary in nature, typically remaining valid for around 90 days unless formally approved by the Punjab Assembly.
Market analysts expect the reduction in stamp duty to lower overall transaction costs and encourage increased activity in the property market, particularly in regions where higher duties had previously acted as a barrier.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced a new policy designed to provide significant relief to property owners by revising the method used to calculate penalties in property transfer and No Objection Certificate (NOC) cases.
Under the updated framework, penalties related to access area adjustments will now be calculated based on the property rate at the time of the plot’s original allotment, rather than the prevailing District Collector (DC) rates. The move is expected to substantially reduce the financial burden on applicants.
The decision follows a series of special working sessions led by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq and the Additional Director General (Housing), during which a comprehensive policy structure was developed.
Previously, property owners were required to pay hefty penalties when applying for NOCs or transferring ownership. These charges were calculated by factoring in access area changes and applying current market linked rates, often resulting in significantly inflated costs.
Citizens had repeatedly raised concerns over what they described as unjustified charges and procedural difficulties, particularly in cases where applicants were not responsible for discrepancies in access areas.
According to the new policy, whether the access area increases or decreases, the applicable rate will be determined based on the year the plot was originally allotted. Officials say this change will bring greater fairness and transparency to the process.
The policy has received formal approval from the LDA Governing Body, and official directives have been issued to ensure its immediate implementation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has formally launched the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Scheme” to support unemployed and landless individuals. According to Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari, the initiative aims to generate employment opportunities in rural areas while strengthening the agricultural sector.
She stated that the government had previously introduced projects such as “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” and the distribution of free plots to homeless individuals. The new scheme, she added, is designed to promote self sufficiency in the agricultural domain.
Bukhari highlighted that the programme is a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, expected to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also provide employment to thousands. Under the scheme, landless rural residents will be allocated land along with financial assistance ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 250,000.
She further revealed that land worth a total of Rs160 billion is being distributed, which will be used exclusively for farming purposes.
The provincial minister also noted that the government has already taken several steps to facilitate farmers, including the provision of Kisan Cards, green tractors, super seeders, and solarisation of tube wells. As a result of these measures, Punjab has achieved a record wheat production. She emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made agriculture development and farmers' prosperity a top priority.