LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced a new legal framework to tackle land and property grabbing, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approving the Punjab Protection of Ownership and Immovable Property Ordinance 2025.
The ordinance aims to protect citizens’ ownership rights and ensure swift action against individuals or groups involved in unlawful occupation of property. Chairing a meeting in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the move reflects her government’s commitment to delivering justice “at the doorstep of the people.”
Under the new law, Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) will be established in every district of Punjab to decide land-grabbing cases within 90 days. Each committee will comprise six members, including the deputy commissioner, district police officer, and other senior officials.
Appeals against DRC decisions will be heard by a special tribunal chaired by a retired High Court judge, which will also be required to issue its ruling within 90 days. The government has set a target to make these committees operational within 30 days.
According to officials, land found to be illegally occupied will be recovered within 24 hours after a committee’s ruling. The meeting also reviewed recommendations to engage the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to ensure swift implementation of property recovery orders.
To enhance transparency, proposals for maintaining digital land records and live-streaming committee proceedings on social media were also discussed.
Maryam Nawaz said the ordinance would serve as a strong deterrent against land grabbing and protect ordinary citizens from exploitation. “No one will be allowed to seize anyone’s land in Punjab now. A mother-like state stands with every weak citizen,” she said.
She added that for many people, even a small piece of land represents their entire livelihood and dignity, which has too often been threatened by powerful mafias. “The chapter of land mafias has been closed forever,” she declared.
