LHC suspends Punjab Protection of Property Ordinance 2025

LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has suspended the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025 through an interim order issued.

The ordinance had empowered committees headed by deputy commissioners to decide property disputes.

The interim order was issued on Monday during the hearing of petitions filed by Abida Parveen and others, challenging decisions taken under the ordinance regarding property matters.

All decisions related to dispossession of properties under the new law were also been suspended through the interim order.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the law, the LHC chief justice remarked that someone should tell the government that if the ordinance remains in force, even Jati Umra could be vacated within half an hour.

She observed that apparently some people want to concentrate all powers in their own hands.

The chief justice questioned how a revenue officer could transfer possession of a property when the matter is already pending before a civil court.

She further remarked that the new law has effectively dismantled the civil justice system, citizens’ rights, and judicial supremacy, adding that if such powers are placed in the hands of authorities, they could even suspend the Constitution.

The LHC chief justice also pointed out that under the ordinance, if a deputy commissioner hands over possession of a person’s house to someone else, the affected individual has no right of appeal.

She noted that the new law does not even grant the high court the authority to issue stay orders in such matters.

During the hearing, the Punjab chief secretary and other government officials were present in court, while the Punjab advocate general did not appear.

The court was informed that he was unable to attend due to illness.

At this, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum remarked that she herself was unwell and had been advised bed rest, yet she was still hearing cases in court.

Subsequently, the judge said a full bench would be constituted for further hearing of the matter, and the proceedings were adjourned.

It is pertinent to note that the ordinance was approved on October 31 by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stipulating that land-related disputes must be resolved within 90 days.

The ordinance was challenged in the LHC and during an earlier hearing, the LHC chief justice had also questioned the role of a new force established under the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority.

She had also remarked that patwaris and assistant commissioners now appear to aspire to become judges, and questioned how a patwari could be granted authority to act in a matter already under consideration by the Supreme Court.