Punjab Introduces New Ordinance to Protect Property Rights
In a significant step towards safeguarding property rights and combating land grabbing, the Punjab government has passed the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025. This new policy introduces a streamlined justice mechanism designed to resolve disputes over land possession within a strict timeframe of 90 days.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. During the session, it was decided that Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) would be set up in every district. These committees aim to expedite the recovery of land from encroachers and provide much-needed relief to those affected by the so-called “land mafia.”
Each DRC will consist of six members, with the Deputy Commissioner serving as the head. Additional members will include the District Police Officer and other senior officials. The committees will have the authority to settle possession cases within 90 days, while appeals against their decisions will be heard by a special tribunal led by a retired High Court judge. This tribunal is also required to deliver its verdict within 90 days.
Officials informed the chief minister that the DRCs will help resolve property disputes before they escalate to court, significantly reducing the backlog of cases and lowering litigation costs for citizens. Once a decision is issued, the committee will be legally obligated to recover the encroached land within 24 hours.
The meeting also discussed proposals to deploy the Punjab Encroachment Recovery Agency (PERA) for enforcing these decisions. Additionally, digital record-keeping and live streaming of proceedings were suggested to ensure transparency and accountability in the process. The DRCs are expected to start functioning within 30 days.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the weak and vulnerable. She stated that the government would stand by every individual “like a mother,” ensuring that no one could unlawfully seize another’s land. “Whoever owns a property has the right to possess it,” she said, highlighting that for many ordinary citizens, a small plot of land represents an entire life’s worth of struggle.
The chief minister added that the new ordinance would permanently weaken the influence of the encroachment mafia in Punjab. “No one will now snatch anyone’s land in Punjab. The state will protect every rightful owner,” she vowed.
Key Components of the New Ordinance
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Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs):Each district will have a six-member committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner. The members will include the District Police Officer and other senior officials.
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Timeframe for Decisions:DRCs will decide on possession cases within 90 days. Appeals will be handled by a special tribunal, also with a 90-day deadline.
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Enforcement Mechanism:The Punjab Encroachment Recovery Agency (PERA) will be deployed to enforce decisions made by the DRCs.
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Transparency Measures:Digital record-keeping and live streaming of proceedings will be introduced to ensure openness and accountability.
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Legal Obligations:Once a decision is issued, the committee must recover the encroached land within 24 hours.
Impact on Citizens
The new ordinance is expected to bring significant relief to landowners who have long struggled with encroachment and legal delays. By establishing a dedicated system for resolving disputes quickly, the government aims to reduce the burden on courts and provide faster justice to citizens.
The initiative also addresses the growing problem of land grabbing, which has affected many communities in Punjab. With the involvement of law enforcement agencies and the use of technology, the government hopes to create a more transparent and efficient process for land ownership disputes.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s emphasis on protecting the rights of the weak and vulnerable underscores the broader social implications of this policy. By ensuring that landowners can retain their properties, the government is not only addressing legal issues but also supporting the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on their land for survival.
This move marks a turning point in how land disputes are managed in Punjab, setting a precedent for other regions to follow. It reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of fundamental rights.