Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has agreed in principle to introduce amendments to the Property Ownership Act following intense legal pressure and strong objections raised by the judiciary. The move is being seen as a significant step toward restoring judicial authority and ensuring legal transparency in property-related matters. According to official sources, the decision comes in the wake of dozens of constitutional petitions filed before the Lahore High Court and sustained resistance from bar associations. Under the proposed amendments, tribunals established under the Property Ownership Act will be headed by serving Additional Sessions Judges instead of retired judges. This change aims to strengthen judicial independence, credibility, and transparency within the tribunal system. In addition, civil judges will be empowered to conduct a preliminary review of illegal possession complaints before referring them to district committees. Under the revised framework, district committees will no longer have the authority to directly decide pending cases. Any reference to a committee will only be made through a civil judge. Earlier provisions allowing affected parties to directly approach committees had drawn severe criticism from the legal community, which argued that such clauses undermined the role of regular courts. It is pertinent to note that the Lahore High Court had issued a stay order on the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance and sought an explanation from the provincial government after petitioners contended that the law curtailed judicial powers and deprived citizens of traditional legal forums. In response, the Punjab government constituted a high-level legal committee to review the objections and recommend corrective measures. The draft amendments explicitly preserve the right to appeal against interim orders of the tribunals before the Lahore High Court. Provisions for judicial review are also being incorporated, reflecting the government’s willingness to accommodate constitutional concerns while pursuing faster resolution of land and property disputes. Legal experts believe that if these amendments receive final approval, they could ease tensions between the judiciary and the executive and help restore public confidence in the legal process governing property and land disputes. The draft is currently being finalized through consultations with judicial authorities and bar councils, and formal implementation is expected after consensus among all stakeholders.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has sealed 63 illegally operating commercial properties and vacated encroachments from eight plots in Lahore as part of an ongoing crackdown against unauthorised land use and unlawful commercialisation. The action reflects the authority’s continued efforts to enforce planning regulations and reclaim public and private land from illegal occupation. According to LDA officials, the sealed properties were operating without the required approvals, change-of-land-use permissions, or commercialisation certificates. These properties were being used for commercial activities in areas designated for residential or regulated purposes, in violation of approved zoning and master planning laws. In addition to sealing illegal structures, enforcement teams removed encroachments from eight plots, restoring lawful possession of land that had been unlawfully occupied. Officials stated that such encroachments not only obstruct planned urban development but also place pressure on civic infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and public utilities. The operation was carried out by LDA enforcement squads in coordination with town planning and building control departments. Authorities confirmed that notices had been issued prior to the action, and legal procedures were followed in line with applicable regulations. LDA officials emphasized that unauthorised commercialisation distorts land-use planning, increases traffic congestion, and undermines the city’s infrastructure capacity. They reiterated that no commercial activity is permitted without formal approval, regardless of location or scale. This latest enforcement drive follows earlier large-scale operations conducted by the LDA in Lahore, during which more than 100 illegal commercial properties were sealed across multiple localities. Those actions targeted plazas, shops, warehouses, and offices operating in violation of zoning laws and building regulations. The authority has maintained that such sustained enforcement is necessary to curb unchecked land misuse and restore regulatory discipline in urban development. Officials noted that the LDA will continue inspections and enforcement actions in different parts of the city, particularly in areas where residential land is being converted into commercial use without permission. Property owners were advised to regularize their properties through lawful channels or face further action, including sealing and legal proceedings. The authority also warned that encroachments on plots, roads, and public spaces would not be tolerated, stressing that reclaiming illegally occupied land is essential for orderly urban growth and the protection of public assets. The ongoing campaign highlights the LDA’s broader strategy to improve land governance in Lahore by enforcing planning laws, preventing illegal construction, and ensuring that land is used strictly in accordance with approved development plans.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab has introduced sweeping reforms to the province’s land record system, significantly reducing the authority of patwaris in property sale and transfer matters. The changes, officially notified by the Board of Revenue, Punjab, aim to improve transparency, curb corruption, and simplify land transactions across the province. Under the new system, patwaris will no longer handle documentation for land sales or transfers. Their role has been redefined to maintaining land records, assisting in revenue collection, and providing judicial records when needed. The responsibility for processing property sale and transfer documentation has shifted to designated Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) or authorised e-Facility Centers, which will oversee verification, Fard-e-Bay issuance, and registration of deeds. This centralisation is intended to remove outdated practices, such as reliance on witnesses or informal procedures, and ensure that all transactions are legally documented and verifiable. Mutations based solely on oral claims are not permitted, except in recognised inheritance cases. The reform was officially notified on 31 December 2025, with implementation taking effect in early January 2026. Buyers and sellers are now required to obtain the Fard-e-Bay from ARCs or e-Facility Centers before proceeding to authorised stamp vendors for deed registration. Once documents are verified, the tehsildar is mandated to approve registration on the same day, provided all requirements are met. This ensures faster, more transparent transactions and reduces opportunities for disputes or malpractice. These reforms mark a significant departure from traditional practices, where patwaris historically initiated mutations and processed property sale documents. By centralising functions at ARCs and e-Facility Centers and holding officials accountable for timely approvals, Punjab seeks to modernise its land administration, align property transactions with digital systems, and improve public trust in land dealings. Early responses indicate that the new system could reduce delays, confusion, and corruption in land transfers. However, its long-term effectiveness will depend on consistent application across all districts. The initiative reflects Punjab’s ongoing commitment to modernising property governance, providing a clearer, user-friendly framework for landowners, buyers, and real estate participants throughout the province.