LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025 to combat land grabbing and illegal possession of public property.
During a significant meeting focused on public ownership concerns, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that prolonged land dispute cases in Punjab will soon be a thing of the past. The newly introduced system mandates that all land ownership cases be resolved within 90 days through Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs).
The Chief Minister declared that unauthorized seizure of land in Punjab will no longer be tolerated, stressing the emotional and financial importance of property for individuals. She affirmed that the government, akin to a protective mother, will safeguard the rights of rightful landowners and ensure justice by putting an end to the influence of land mafias.
Under the Property Ordinance 2025, the DRCs will settle each case within 90 days, and any appeals will be forwarded to a Special Tribunal. This tribunal, chaired by a retired High Court judge, is also required to issue its rulings within the same timeframe.
Every district in Punjab will form a six-member Dispute Resolution Committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner and including key officials such as the District Police Officer. Before escalating matters to court, all private property disputes must first be addressed by these committees.
The government aims to operationalize these committees within 30 days. Once decisions are reached, unlawfully occupied land will be reclaimed from encroachers within 24 hours of the ruling.
Additional measures under review include seeking support from specialized task forces to retrieve occupied properties and ensuring transparency through digital record-keeping and live social media broadcasts of proceedings.
