ISLAMABAD – The Punjab government has significantly increased stamp paper fees, affecting residents across the province. The hike applies to all types of documents, from property agreements to utility connections and divorce papers.
The new move has sparked concern among citizens, lawyers, and school administrators, as even basic legal paperwork has become considerably more expensive. The government says the adjustment is aimed at regulating stamp paper issuance, reducing fraud, and ensuring transparency.
The updated rules also make it mandatory for applicants to have a mobile SIM registered in their own name to obtain stamp paper. Experts say this is part of a larger digitization effort to modernize the legal documentation process.
Here is a complete breakdown of the new stamp paper fees in Punjab:
| Document Type | Old Fee (Rs) | New Fee (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum e-stamp paper fee | 100 | 300 |
| Divorce stamp papers | 100 | 1,000 |
| Domicile stamp papers (school/job applications) | 100 | 500 |
| New utility connections (electricity, gas, water) | 100 | 1,000 |
| Property sale agreement | 1,200 | 3,000 |
| Any other agreement (non-property) | 100 | 500 |
| Agreements up to Rs. 500,000 | 1,200 | 3,000 |
| Agreements between Rs. 500,000 – Rs. 1,000,000 | — | 6,000 |
| Agreements exceeding Rs. 15,000,000 | — | 20,000+ |
| Power of attorney | 1,500 | 1,800 |
The sharp rise in stamp paper fees comes at a time when citizens are already dealing with high inflation. Lawyers and ordinary residents have expressed concern that these increases could make access to essential services and legal documentation more difficult.
Officials, however, maintain that the new rates are part of a modernization and digitization effort. They argue that stricter regulations and online monitoring will help prevent fraud and provide a more transparent system for everyone.
In other news read more about: Nigehban Ramadan Package: Punjab Government Gives Rs10,000 to Millions of Families
The government has advised residents to check the new stamp paper rates before planning any legal or property-related paperwork to avoid unexpected costs.
