Punjab Province

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.

Pattoki: District Reporter Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan
Under the initial boundary delineation of the Municipal Committee Pattoki, several areas have been officially included, notably Chak 19, Chak 35, and Old Pattoki. The move is intended to facilitate better administrative management, ensure the efficient delivery of urban services, and organize municipal affairs more effectively. According to the preliminary map released by the Municipal Committee, government lands, union council boundaries, and residential and agricultural areas have been clearly demarcated. The included Chaks and older parts of Pattoki have been assigned specific administrative jurisdictions to manage municipal services, urban planning, and land disputes efficiently. The Municipal Committee Pattoki has also continued operations against illegal occupations and encroachments within its limits. In December 2025, unauthorized shops and other encroachments were removed, and citizens were instructed to comply with regulations and respect government land. The Punjab government’s initiative to define initial municipal boundaries aims to reduce land-related disputes and enable more effective urban management. Chak 19, Chak 35, and Old Pattoki are included in the initial boundaries of Municipal Committee Pattoki. Actions against encroachments continue under the designated legal jurisdiction. Official boundary maps are not publicly accessible but are maintained by the Municipal Committee and LG&CD Punjab.