Mutation means insertion of the name of the new owner in the Khatiyan (Record of Rights) instead of the former owner after transferring the ownership of a land. Mutation is indispensable to establish the proprietary rights over the property. Moreover, it is essential to create new holding for the purpose of payment of rent in own name which will avert further complicacy in terms of possession and enjoyment of that land.

Ownership may be transferred through kabala/sell, gift, exchange, will, waqf, inheritance or by the Govt. through settlement of khas land to the landless. However, one cannot claim ownership of a piece of land officially without presenting the document of mutation.

 Additionally, without mutating the name of the new owner there is high possibility to transfer the property again by the former owner. Because he/she is the documentary owner of that land until the necessary changes took place in the Khatiyan. In addition, mutation is essential to transfer, register or payment of tax. Hence it is the duty of the new owner to mutate his/her name in the record of rights properly and cautiously.