British-Pakistani businessman announces online property verification service for overseas Pakistanis

MANCHESTER
British-Pakistani entrepreneur and IMARAT Group Chairman Shafiq Akbar has announced that an online property verification service in Pakistan will be launched next month, describing it as a major step towards protecting overseas Pakistanis from property fraud and restoring confidence in the country’s real estate sector.
Speaking at an investment event in Manchester, Akbar said many overseas Pakistanis want to invest in Pakistan, whether to own a home, establish a base in the country or build long-term wealth. However, he said the biggest concern preventing many from investing is the fear of fraud and uncertainty over whether their investment will be secure.
He said overseas Pakistanis need confidence that the promises made to them will be fulfilled, whether that is receiving ownership of a home or achieving the expected returns on their investment. “It is our responsibility, as Pakistanis, together with the Government of Pakistan and the private sector, to ensure their investments are protected,” he said.
Akbar revealed that an online property verification service will be launched in Pakistan next month, allowing overseas buyers to verify the legal status and ownership of properties remotely before making a purchase. He said Pakistanis living in countries such as the UK will be able to check online whether a property in Islamabad has any legal, ownership or other issues before investing, helping them make informed decisions with greater peace of mind.
He said the initiative is aimed at improving transparency in Pakistan’s real estate market and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions, which have discouraged some overseas Pakistanis from investing.
Highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential, Akbar said his experience over the past decade has convinced him that the country offers significantly greater growth opportunities than more mature economies. Comparing Islamabad with London, he said the Pakistani capital has witnessed remarkable infrastructure development over the past five to ten years, including new roads, underpasses, motorways, airport expansion and major public infrastructure projects.
He said Pakistan’s growing population, expanding infrastructure and status as a developing economy continue to create strong long-term investment opportunities.
Akbar also urged the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the protection of overseas Pakistanis’ investments by strengthening legal safeguards and providing greater security for investors. He said giving overseas Pakistanis confidence that their investments are safe would encourage them to invest back home with peace of mind.
The online property verification service has yet to be launched, and further details regarding its implementation, regulatory oversight and the mechanism for verifying property records have not yet been disclosed.