Lahore Division

01 January 2026 Lahore : ReNews Reporter | Local News Desk The Lahore High Court has suspended the operation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act 2025. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued a stay order on December 22, 2025, halting all proceedings under the Act and directing that related petitions be placed before a full bench for hearing. The Act, enacted in December 2025 following an earlier ordinance, established Dispute Resolution Committees headed by Deputy Commissioners to resolve property disputes within 90 days. Its objective was to provide protection against illegal occupation of immovable property. During hearings, the court remarked that granting judicial powers to revenue officers may conflict with Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution. The court noted that interference by revenue officers in matters pending before civil courts is not permissible. Instances of possession changes based on verbal orders were highlighted, leading the court to direct reversal of such actions. Petitions challenging the Act argued that it conflicts with the Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Qanoon-e-Shahadat. Lawyers contended that the Act confers judicial-type powers on revenue officers. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong concern over the suspension, stating that it would benefit encroachment and land-grabbing mafias. She said the Act was intended to provide relief to millions facing prolonged property disputes. The Pakistan Bar Council welcomed the suspension, declaring the Act unconstitutional and in conflict with existing laws including the Evidence Act and Illegal Dispossession Act. The Council demanded immediate withdrawal of the Act and an apology from the Punjab government to the Lahore High Court. Despite the suspension, reports of continued proceedings in some districts prompted the court to warn of action for violation of its order. The court has sought records of actions taken by the committees. A full bench will review the Act's sections and implementation procedures. The formation of the full bench and hearing date are yet to be announced.

December 31, 2025 Lahore: Re News Reporter | Provincial Re News Desk
A complete ban has been imposed across Punjab on the issuance of fard and the mutation process based on oral land transactions. This decision, taken by the Board of Revenue Punjab, has received full approval from the provincial government and is now enforced throughout all districts of the province. Under this new policy, any land transfer will only be recognized if the transaction has been completed through formally registered documents. According to the detailed instructions issued by the Board of Revenue, patwaris, qanungos, tehsildars, and other revenue staff are no longer authorized to issue fard or approve mutations based on oral agreements, unwritten statements, or private writings. Any change in land ownership will only be accepted on the basis of registered sale deeds (bay-nama), gift deeds (hibba-nama), inheritance documents, or other legally registered papers. This restriction has been legally enforced under the jurisdiction of the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967, Registration Act 1908, and related rules and regulations. These laws clearly state that registration is a mandatory requirement for any change in land ownership or possession to gain legal validity. Although oral transactions previously lacked legal protection, in practice, such cases often proceeded to fard issuance and mutation stages, which are now being strictly prohibited. This decision comes at a time when the province is witnessing a continuous rise in land disputes, claims of dual ownership, and litigation arising from undocumented transactions. Transfers based on oral agreements have frequently led to legal complications, prolonged court battles, and inconsistencies in records. With the implementation of the new policy, registration has been made compulsory for land sales, purchases, gifts, or any form of transfer. Without registered documents, neither a fard can be issued nor any change incorporated in the revenue records. Additionally, instructions have been issued to align land records with the digital system to make ownership information more secure, reliable, and verifiable. This initiative represents a key advancement toward strengthening the provincial land administration system on solid legal foundations. It will end the cycle of changes in records through informal methods and grant central importance to the registration process. As a result, significant improvement in record accuracy is expected, along with a notable reduction in future land disputes. As per the Board of Revenue's instructions, the implementation of this decision is effective immediately, and all district revenue officers have been directed to comply without exception. In case of any violation, strict legal action will be taken against the concerned officer. This new regulation on land transactions will further reinforce transparency, legal validity, and administrative discipline in the province's record system, with its positive impacts becoming clearly visible in the revenue framework in the coming phases. The Punjab Land Revenue Act provides a legal basis for land records and mutations, but oral transactions have long lacked full legal protection under the Registration Act. Key references include: From the Supreme Court ruling and related laws: Oral transfers in urban areas were restricted earlier, but now extended province-wide. Relevant sections mentioned in discussions: Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967, Sections A-42 and related provisions (13(2), 16(2), 117), emphasizing the need for registered evidence. Notification emphasizes that qanungo supervision and field verification alone are insufficient without registered documents; oral statements no longer suffice. Under the Registration Act 1908, non-registration renders many transfers invalid for revenue record changes. Precedents from 1882 Act clauses 3, 54, 59, 118, and up to 123 clauses highlight that unregistered private writings lack evidentiary value for mutation, leading to prevention of informal transfers. This step aligns records with modern, transparent standards.

▫️ Strict Safety Measures and Regulatory Compliance to be Enforced ▫️ Residents Express Concerns Over Safety and Community Impact 30 December 2025 Lahore : ReNews Reporter | Local News Desk The Lahore district administration has officially announced the celebration of Basant 2026, scheduled from 6 to 8 February 2026, while making online registration mandatory for all kite and string manufacturers and traders. The sale of kite flying materials will be allowed from 1 to 8 February, and manufacturers may begin legal operations from 30 December 2025, under strict regulatory oversight. Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, issued an official notification confirming that kite flying will be permitted within the territorial limits of Lahore District, in accordance with Section 6(1) of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025, with the approval of the Punjab government. The administration has implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival, which will be strictly enforced by district authorities, police, kite associations, and residents. Under the SOPs, kite flying is only allowed with approved materials listed in Schedule I of the 2025 rules. All registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers must display valid registration certificates at approved premises. The production and sale of spinning wheels is strictly prohibited, and only ‘pinna’ string is permitted. Kite sizes must remain within limits prescribed by the regulations. Motorcyclists participating in kite flying are also required to install safety wires on their vehicles to minimize accidents. Authorities have warned that a zero-tolerance policy will be applied against the use of prohibited strings, including nylon, plastic, and metal wires. Police and district officials will conduct rigorous inspections, and any violations will be addressed immediately. Law-abiding manufacturers and traders operating within the rules are assured full legal protection. Residents of Lahore’s urban neighborhoods have shared mixed reactions to the announcement. While the festival is an important cultural and economic activity, many expressed concerns regarding safety, potential accidents, and public hazards. Some residents recalled past incidents where unsafe kite flying practices caused injuries and property damage, emphasizing that densely populated areas require extra caution. Citizens highlighted the potential impact on community confidence and the safety perception of neighborhoods, which may indirectly influence local property values and urban livability. Several families pointed out that children and young adults may be particularly vulnerable during Basant, especially if prohibited strings or oversized kites are used. They urged authorities to ensure effective monitoring and strict enforcement to prevent accidents and protect residents’ safety. The Deputy Commissioner stated that Basant is a cultural festival of Lahore and reaffirmed that authorities have a responsibility to ensure it is celebrated safely. He emphasized that the protection of human life is the top priority, and urged parents to prevent children from handling prohibited strings or unsafe kites. Law-abiding participants and registered manufacturers will be provided full legal safeguards, provided they comply with all safety measures and regulations. The government’s initiative reflects an effort to permit legal Basant-related commerce while safeguarding residents and urban neighborhoods. Strict adherence to the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025 is mandatory for all stakeholders. Authorities will maintain continuous monitoring, ensuring that operations do not compromise public safety or urban order. The administration also highlighted the broader implications for residential areas. Safe management of kite flying activities ensures that communities can celebrate the festival without risking damage to property or disruption to daily life. The move aims to strike a balance between cultural celebration, economic activity, and community welfare, while providing a secure and structured environment for residents and participants alike. With registration portals and the E-Biz app activated for manufacturers and traders, authorities are seeking full compliance and accountability. All participants are required to complete digital registration, and only registered sellers are authorized to supply kite flying materials to the public. The administration reiterated that violators of safety and regulatory rules will face strict action. By combining legal oversight, safety procedures, and resident awareness, the Lahore district administration intends to host Basant 2026 in a controlled and safe manner, ensuring the festival can be celebrated while minimizing risks to urban residents, neighborhoods, and property.