If you intend to buy or sell property in Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir or Indian Administered Jammu Kashmir, securing a Riasat Bashinda (State Subject) certificate is imperative. This document, akin to a citizenship certificate, is crucial for land transactions within the state.
Who Qualifies?
The certificate can only be obtained by individuals ancestrally belonging to Jammu & Kashmir, implying a lineage of forefathers who lived and owned land in the state.
Required Documents:
- Your NICOP (ID card) copy
- Your father’s NICOP copy
- Proof of land ownership (naqal jamabandi) from Patwari
- Copy of misal haqiqi (from Tehsildar’s office)
- Patwari’s ownership confirmation report
- Four passport-sized photographs
- Passport copy (if available)
- Birth certificate copy
- Copies of children’s passports and birth certificates
- Educational certificates copies
- Personal presence for thumb impressions
- Statement (bayan halfy)
- Two witnesses from your village
Procedure:
- Documentation: Gather all required documents.
- Application Writing: Visit an Arzi Nawees (application writer) to prepare your application, complete with stamps and your statement.
- Tehsildar’s Approval: Get the application signed by the Tehsildar.
- Patwari’s Verification: The Patwari will provide the naqal jamabandi and write a brief report on the application.
- Tehsildar’s Office: Obtain a stamped copy of misal-e-haqiqi.
- Verification: Have the documents checked by the application writer.
- Oath Commissioner: Certify the application with an oath commissioner (Advocate).
- SDM Approval: Present the application with two local witnesses to the SDM for signing.
- DC Issuance: Finally, submit the complete file to the DC, who will issue the Riasat Bashinda certificate the same day.
Additional Notes:
- Consider obtaining a Domicile certificate simultaneously, as it is necessary for job applications or land/house purchases in Pakistan. The process is similar but requires extra document copies.
Fees and Bribes:
Official fees:
- Patwari: Rs. 300
- Tehsildar’s office: Rs. 300
- SDM office: Rs. 300
- Arzi Nawees: Rs. 300
- DC office: Rs. 300
However, due to the prevalent bribery culture, expect to pay around Rs. 1,000 each. The Patwari, in particular, might demand more. Bribery is rampant, making the process cumbersome without additional payments.
Alternate Approach:
Hiring a local advocate or paying extra to an Arzi Nawees can save you from the bureaucratic maze and expedite the process. Although engaging in such practices might seem unethical, it is often the only practical solution given the current system.
Conclusion:
While the process of obtaining a Riasat Bashinda certificate can be daunting, understanding the requirements and procedures can significantly ease the journey. Whether you decide to navigate the process yourself or enlist help, being well-prepared is key.