The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday suspended the implementation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, promulgated by the government to expedite resolution of property disputes.
The ordinance was promulgated to counter illegal occupation and grants powers to Dispute Resolution Committees, chaired by deputy commissioners, and property tribunals headed by former judges or district judges, to resolve property disputes and take administrative action. It has seen significant support from the general public, as several cases long-pending in courts have been speedily addressed.
Taking up a petition challenging the ordinance, which has been approved by the Punjab Assembly, LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum recommended the formation of a full bench to examine the legislation. She also ordered the repossession of properties that had been allocated under the new law.
Criticizing the provincial government’s handling of the ordinance, she said it appeared to grant excessive powers without proper safeguards. “If this law remains, even Jati Umra can be handed over in half an hour,” she remarked, referring to the residence of the Sharif family. She said the new law bypassed civil courts and judicial supremacy, leaving citizens with limited rights of appeal.
She also lashed out at the absence of the advocate general of Punjab, who could not attend proceedings due to an illness. Questioning the purpose of the legislation she observed that a revenue officer could not execute possession if the matter was pending before a civil court.
“You have eliminated the civil setup and civil rights. If it were up to you, you would even suspend the Constitution,” she remarked, stating the law removed the right of appeal if property is handed over.
She said that, under the law, citizens have no right to appeal if their property is handed over to someone else and that the high court cannot even issue an injunction in such cases. She said the law appeared to allow complaints to be filed and properties to be taken away even when false documents or fake registrations are involved.
The LHC CJ said the government’s committee intimidates people, warning them police would take action if possession is not given, and cautioned that revenue officers given authority under the ordinance could collude with land-grabbing groups in the future.