Lahore High Court Suspends Punjab Government’s Property Ordinance 2025
**Islamabad:** In a major legal setback for the Punjab government, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended the implementation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025 on an interim basis.
The ordinance, approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, had empowered committees headed by deputy commissioners to decide property disputes. Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Aalia Neelum, issued the interim order on Monday while hearing petitions filed by Abida Parveen and other applicants challenging decisions made under the new law.
The court also suspended all orders issued under the ordinance related to taking possession of properties.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice expressed serious reservations about the law, remarking that if such legislation were allowed to stand, even Jati Umra could be vacated within half an hour. She observed that the ordinance appeared to concentrate excessive powers in the hands of a few individuals.
Questioning the legal basis of the ordinance, the Chief Justice asked how a revenue officer could transfer possession of a property when the matter was already pending before a civil court. She noted that the new law effectively undermines the civil justice system, citizens’ rights, and judicial supremacy, adding that unchecked authority could even lead to the suspension of the Constitution.
The court further expressed concern that under the ordinance, if a deputy commissioner handed over possession of a citizen’s house to another party, the affected person would have no right of appeal, nor would the High Court have the authority to grant a stay order.
Following these observations, the court announced that a full bench would be constituted to hear the matter in detail and adjourned the proceedings.
It is noteworthy that the ordinance was approved by the Punjab Chief Minister on October 31, stipulating that land and property disputes be resolved within 90 days. The Lahore High Court had previously also raised objections to granting judicial powers to the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and revenue officers.
