In a major move against land grabbers and property fraudsters, the Punjab government has prepared a strict legal framework to protect the ownership rights of citizens under the Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025.
According to government sources, the ordinance approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been sent to the Punjab Assembly and will be presented in the upcoming session for discussion and approval.
The new law proposes a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years for those involved in illegal possession, fraud or forgery of property, while those who aid and abet such crimes can be punished with 1 to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 million.
If an institution, society, or company is found guilty, the responsible officers will also face punishment. Property owners can now directly file complaints with their respective Deputy Commissioners, who will oversee the initial investigation.
To ensure fair resolution, a District Dispute Resolution Committee (DDRC) will be constituted in each district, headed by a Deputy Commissioner, and will include the District Police Officer (DPO) and Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue (ADC-R). The committee will have the power to call for documents, hold hearings and take immediate precautionary measures if necessary.
Every case has to be decided within 90 days, with an additional extension of 90 days possible in special cases. Disputes not resolved by the committee will be referred to the Property Tribunal within 30 days.
To prevent abuse, false complaints will be punishable with imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and a fine of up to 25% of the market value of the property.
The newly constituted Property Tribunals will be set up in each district and will be headed by a former High Court or District and Sessions Judge, who will have powers equivalent to those of civil and sessions courts. Each tribunal will be required to deliver its decision within 90 days.
The tribunals will have the power to restore property, recover profits, and enforce compensation with the help of the police if necessary. Appeals against the tribunal’s decisions can be filed before a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court.
Officials emphasize that the ordinance represents a historic step by the Punjab government to prevent illegal occupation of properties across the province and protect legal ownership.
