CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong disapproval over the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to suspend the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act 2025. She warned that the ruling could benefit land-grab mafias and erode public trust in the justice system.
According to CM Maryam Nawaz, the suspension contradicted established principles of the superior judiciary. She added that the decision could be perceived as favoring powerful landowners at the expense of vulnerable citizens.
The chief minister highlighted that the law was designed to protect poor and oppressed property owners. It introduced a 90-day timeframe for resolving disputes, aiming to address cases that had lingered for decades. CM Maryam Nawaz stressed that the legislation empowered citizens to safeguard legally owned land and was enacted for public interest, not personal gain.
The LHC, in a series of hearings, suspended the enforcement of the law and ordered the reversal of property transfers made under it. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum raised concerns about property documentation, revenue officials’ roles, and the legal authority of the District Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) established under the law.
The ordinance had aimed to combat land grabbing with strict penalties ranging from five to ten years in prison. It also sought to provide fast-track resolution of disputes through DRCs to protect citizens’ property rights.
CM Maryam Nawaz warned that halting the law would shatter the hopes of millions, particularly widows and the poor, who had finally gained legal recourse against illegal land grabs. She emphasized that the law was a landmark step in protecting property rights in Punjab and ensuring justice for all citizens.
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The chief minister’s remarks underscore the importance of the legislation and her commitment to safeguarding property rights in Punjab, despite challenges posed by the LHC suspension.
