Special Courts for Overseas Pakistanis and Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill Approved

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Special Courts (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill 2024 and the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024 under Article 75 of the Constitution.
The newly enacted law will allow the federal government to establish special courts in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court specifically for overseas Pakistanis. These courts will handle applications related to overseas Pakistanis’ immovable property disputes.
Under the new legislation, applications can also be filed electronically. If a respondent fails to appear in court twice, proceedings will continue in their absence. The special courts will limit the opportunities for parties to present evidence to two instances, and overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to participate in hearings via video link.
The courts are mandated to resolve cases within 90 days, and affected individuals have 15 days to appeal to the High Court, which will also resolve appeals within 90 days. The court will prohibit the transfer of property until a decision is made on the application, ensuring that the affected party retains their rights during the legal process.
It is noteworthy that the Senate approved the Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act 2024 on October 20. The bill was introduced by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, to provide a swift and effective resolution for property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis.
Earlier, on October 17, the Senate unanimously approved the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024.