The Punjab government has established a special cell in Rawalpindi under the Punjab Protection of Immovable Properties Ordinance to fast-track cases involving land grabbed through force, fraud or any unlawful means.

Following special instructions from the Chief Minister of Punjab, City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, SSP Operations, the ADCR, divisional SPs and assistant commissioners convened a district-level meeting to review implementation of the ordinance.

Under the new framework, the entire process from filing an application to the final decision will be completed within ninety days. All cases will be handled jointly by the police and the district administration through the Dispute Resolution Committee.

The DRC will hear both parties and, in cases where a settlement is reached, forward its report to the tribunal. The tribunal, comprising former district or high court judges appointed for a three-year term, will issue legal orders based on the DRC’s findings.

If no settlement is reached, the tribunal will begin trial proceedings and may transfer the matter to a civil or sessions court. The DRC will also have the authority to seal a property where necessary and may recommend legal action in cases involving false or frivolous applications.

All applications will be received at the special cell set up in the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where applicants will be required to submit property documents, supporting evidence and details of the party in unlawful possession.

From our Bureau Office