Lahore: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Tuesday promulgated the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance and the Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, aimed at digitising land records, strengthening property rights and improving transparency in land administration.
According to official details, the amendments seek to promote digitalisation and innovation within the Punjab Land Revenue Authority, while enhancing efficiency, accountability and ease for landowners.
Under the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance, land partition has been linked with the transfer of possession, and reforms have been introduced in the appeals and review processes. The law also provides a legal framework for the demarcation of land and the eviction of illegal occupants.
A system for issuing summons, notices and public announcements through electronic and digital means has been introduced. An e-registration system for land transfers has also been established, making all land transfers digital. Under the new law, patwaris will be authorised to process only hereditary transfers.
The amendments further stipulate that only the Board of Revenue will have the authority to remand cases to lower courts.
Separately, the governor promulgated the Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, under which a scrutiny committee will replace the existing dispute resolution committee. The committee will include the deputy commissioner (DC), district police officer (DPO), additional deputy commissioner revenue (ADCR), assistant commissioner (AC), sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), circle revenue officer and the officer in charge of the relevant police station.
The amended law prescribes stricter penalties for illegal possession of property, including imprisonment of five to 10 years and a fine of up to PKR 10 million, or both. In cases of false complaints, a fine of PKR 0.5 million and imprisonment of up to five years may be imposed.
Under the revised mechanism, complaints will be filed before a tribunal comprising serving judges. The tribunal will be required to seek a report from the scrutiny committee within three days. The committee must submit its report within 30 days, after which the tribunal will decide the case within the next 30 days. Previously, these timelines could extend up to 90 days.
The tribunal has also been empowered to hear connected offences in the same trial and to take preventive measures, powers that previously rested with the deputy commissioner. Under the amended ordinance, serving additional and sessions judges will act as members of the tribunal, replacing retired judges who previously held these roles.
Officials said the new laws are intended to reduce delays, curb illegal land occupation and ensure greater protection of property ownership across the province.
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