Punjab govt to table ordinance targeting land mafia, illegal property seizures

PUNJAB/
LAHORE:

The Punjab government is set to pass the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, targeting land mafia, facilitators, and officials involved in fraud and illegal property seizures.

The ordinance has been approved by the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz and sent to the Punjab Assembly. The ordinance will be presented in the upcoming assembly session.

Under the new law:

• Illegal seizure, forgery, fraud, or forceful acquisition of property carries 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment.

• Assisting in illegal property seizure or sale can result in 1 to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs10 million.

• Officers responsible in companies, societies, or institutions can also face punishment if a crime is proven.

Property owners must submit complaints directly to the relevant Deputy Commissioner. A District Dispute Resolution Committee will be established in each district, headed by the Deputy Commissioner, including members such as the DPO, ADC Revenue, and other relevant officials.

The committee will have the authority to summon records, hold hearings, and take immediate administrative measures to protect property. Complaints must be resolved within 90 days, with a possible extension of 90 days approved by the Commissioner. Parties must appear in person; representation by lawyers will generally not be allowed.

The committee’s report or any settlement will be sent in writing to the Property Tribunal. If disputes remain unresolved, the committee must refer the case to the tribunal within 30 days.

False or malicious complaints may lead to 1 to 5 years’ imprisonment and fines up to 25% of the property’s value.

Property Tribunals will be established across the province, with at least one tribunal per district. Tribunal heads will be former High Court or District and Sessions judges.

Read: Committees to resolve property cases in Punjab

Tribunals called the Dispute Resolution Committees will have the same powers as civil and sessions courts and must resolve illegal possession cases within 90 days. They can order the return of property, payment of profits, and compensation. Forced action with police or government assistance may be undertaken to recover property. Appeals against tribunal decisions can be filed before a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court.

The ordinance aims to ensure the protection of legal property ownership rights for citizens.

The Dispute Resolution Committees will be bound to recover land from the encroachment mafia within 24 hours after the decision on the case. The meeting reviewed a recommendation to employ the Punjab Employment and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force to recover land from those who have encroached on public property.

Punjab CM has said that no one would now snatch anyone’s land in Punjab as the state would stand by every weak person like a mother. She added that whoever owns a property has a right to possess it. She highlighted that for a common man, a small property or land is like the whole universe, but unfortunately, a mafia encroaches upon it.