Lahore: The Standing Committee on Revenue of the Punjab Assembly has approved the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing stricter penalties to curb illegal land grabbing and fraudulent property dealings across the province.
The decision was taken during a committee meeting chaired by Acting Chairperson MPA Chaudhry Mehmood Ahmed. Officials from the Punjab Assembly and relevant government departments also attended the session.
The amendment aims to strengthen legal safeguards for property owners by targeting individuals involved in illegal occupation of land, commonly referred to as qabza, as well as those using fake ownership documents to claim or transfer property. Under the revised law, offenders could face heavier fines and imprisonment in an effort to deter such practices.
To improve enforcement and expedite dispute resolution, the bill proposes the establishment of special district-level committees responsible for addressing property ownership complaints and cases of illegal possession. These committees are expected to facilitate quicker action against encroachers and help resolve disputes more efficiently.
The legislation also emphasises the digitalisation of land records and property transfer systems. Officials said the move would enhance transparency in property transactions and reduce opportunities for manipulation and fraud in ownership documentation.
Lawmakers noted that property disputes and illegal land occupation have remained persistent challenges in several parts of Punjab, often leading to lengthy legal battles for legitimate owners. The proposed amendments are intended to provide stronger legal backing for property rights while improving the administrative framework for handling such cases.
Once enacted, the law is expected to tighten oversight of property ownership records, discourage fraudulent transactions, and offer greater protection to landowners throughout the province.
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