Punjab government issues ordinance to criminalise illegal property occupation
Pakistan
Punjab issues ordinance criminalizing illegal property occupation, introducing fines, prison terms, district tribunals, and fast-track mechanisms for complaints, with oversight from Lahore High Court.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Punjab government has issued a gazette notification for the Punjab Ownership Property (Amendment) Ordinance, making illegal occupation of property a punishable offence.
Under the ordinance, anyone involved in unlawful occupation can face five to ten years in prison and a fine of up to Rs10 million. Facilitators who assist in illegal occupation will also be liable for punishment.
The ordinance, issued by Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Khan, mandates the establishment of special Punjab Property Tribunals in every district, allowing direct filing of occupation-related complaints. Committees comprising the DC, DPO, AC, and ADCR will address complaints and submit reports to the tribunal within 30 days.
In cases where parties reach an agreement or settlement, the committee will forward a report to the tribunal for final decision. During hearings, the tribunal may issue interim orders regarding property regulation.
The Punjab government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, can appoint Additional Session Judges as tribunal members, who will have authority over these cases without the presence of parties. Tribunals are required to decide cases within one month and may issue orders for monetary compensation based on property value.
Applicants can request transfer of ongoing cases to the tribunal through the same court handling the matter. The ordinance does not apply to cases under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, Lahore High Court, or constitutional courts. Decisions of the tribunal can be challenged in Lahore High Court within 30 days.
