CNIC verification condition for tenants draws mixed reaction

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

* Some property dealers hail new process, others argue it is a waste of their time, affects business

LAHORE: The recently-enforced condition of verifying computerised national identity cards (CNIC) of potential tenants from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices has met with mixed reactions, Daily Times learnt on Wednesday.

NADRA had made it compulsory for property dealers to verify the CNICs of tenants before they purchase or rent houses and shops from them. Some property dealers have hailed the move, which would discourage the practice of making fake/forged CNICs, although some of them are of the view that NADRA could not curb the malpractice. They argued that hundreds of houses were rented in the city daily while due to few NADRA offices in the city, they have to wait in long queues to get the verification done.

Property dealer Muhammad Shakil told Daily Times that around 50 to 60 houses per month are rented at Cavalry Grounds while his office in Defence rents around 8 to 10 houses, so it becomes convenient for him to verify that the tenants are Pakistani citizens or not.

Defence property dealer Jahanzaib said their business suffers, as they have to stand in long queues to get the verification done, which is duty of police. He said NADRA could not verify the large number of people who are renting properties on a daily basis.

NADRA official Ali Chohan, working at Fortress Stadium, said an e-facility is available at the organisation’s offices, where the tenants could verify their CNICs after paying a fee of Rs 50. staff report

[LRE]

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