Islamabad: The federal government on Tuesday assured overseas Pakistanis that their property investments in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) were fully protected and that swift action would be taken against illegal occupation.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a post on X, said that deputy commissioners in Islamabad were bound to decide complaints related to qabza or illegal occupation within seven days once reported by overseas Pakistanis.
“For overseas Pakistanis: If you report any qabza or illegal occupation, the DC Islamabad is bound to decide within seven days. Your property rights will be protected; no one will be allowed to take what is lawfully yours,” the minister stated.
Naqvi added that overseas Pakistanis’ investments in the federal capital were welcome and valued, assuring them of a secure and investor-friendly environment. He said the government would ensure swift and transparent action to safeguard their assets.
The announcement drew a strong response on social media. Many users welcomed the assurance, saying that the activities of land grabbers had discouraged overseas Pakistanis from investing in property. Others, however, questioned whether the directive would be implemented in letter and spirit, particularly in cases involving influential individuals.
Some respondents also raised concerns about overseas Pakistanis who had invested in housing societies not approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), seeking clarity on whether similar protection would apply to such cases.
Several users used the platform to share personal grievances, including disputes over inherited property and long-pending cases allegedly involving powerful individuals. Others linked the issue to broader governance challenges, criticising the role of local administrations and calling for the policy to be implemented nationwide.
Earlier in September 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office had constituted a joint inquiry committee to investigate allegations of land grabbing by the qabza mafia in the federal capital and to fix responsibility on those involved.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
