Lahore: The Punjab government has promulgated the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025 — a comprehensive new law aimed at safeguarding lawful owners of land and buildings while ensuring swift action against illegal possession and land grabbing.
The ordinance, which took effect immediately across the province, has been introduced under Article 128 of the Constitution of Pakistan. According to the notification, the governor of Punjab declared that the provincial assembly was not in session and that “circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action.”
Designed to strengthen property rights, the law provides both civil and criminal mechanisms to address illegal dispossession, fraud, and coercive occupation of private and public property. It overrides all existing laws on the subject and establishes new enforcement and dispute resolution structures.
Under the new law, occupying or retaining possession of any immovable property without lawful authority — or through deceit, coercion, or fraud — has been declared a criminal offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment ranging from five to ten years. Those found abetting or facilitating such acts may face imprisonment of one to three years and fines up to Rs1 million. Offences committed by companies, societies, or partnerships will also make their directors and responsible officers liable unless they can prove lack of knowledge or due diligence.
The ordinance introduces a two-tier system for swift resolution of property disputes. A Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be set up in every district, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and comprising senior administrative and police officials. The committee will have powers equivalent to a civil court, allowing it to summon individuals, examine records, and take administrative steps to protect lawful ownership. It is required to decide complaints within 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days with approval from the divisional commissioner.
If the DRC fails to achieve an amicable settlement, the matter will be referred to a newly created Property Tribunal to be established in every district. Each tribunal will be headed by a former judge of the Lahore High Court or a District Judge, nominated by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and appointed for a three-year term.
The tribunal will have exclusive jurisdiction to try all offences and title disputes, functioning both as a civil and sessions court. Proceedings must be conducted on a day-to-day basis and concluded within 90 days of receipt, ensuring faster justice for rightful property owners.
The ordinance represents one of Punjab’s most wide-ranging legal frameworks to date, seeking to end decades of unchecked land grabbing and provide effective protection for property ownership rights.
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.
