LAND disputes have long been a source of immense distress for ordinary citizens.
For decades, the process of resolving these disputes in civil courts has been painstakingly slow, with cases often dragging on for years. The issue of encroachment has been particularly acute, with common man often powerless to protect their land from clutches of land grabbers. For many, a small piece of property is not just a material asset but their entire world ,often the only source of security and livelihood. Hence, the Punjab government’s initiative, the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, comes as a welcome and timely intervention to address these long-standing grievances. The establishment of Dispute Resolution Committees at district level represents a major leap forward in providing swift justice to those whose property rights have been violated.
The new system is designed to fast-track resolution of property disputes, with the promise of resolving each case within 90 days. This is a significant improvement from years of delays citizens often face in civil courts. Under the new framework, Dispute Resolution Committees, led by deputy commissioners and involving senior police officials, will handle disputes at local level. Their mandate is clear: to decide on possession cases efficiently and with urgency, ensuring that decisions are made swiftly and fairly. In the event of an appeal, a special tribunal, headed by a retired high court judge, will hear the case and is bound to make a ruling within another 90 days. This dual mechanism, at both committee and tribunal levels, offers the much-needed fast-track system that has long been missing from Pakistan’s legal landscape. The promise of fast, accessible, and efficient justice offers hope to thousands who have spent years fighting for their land rights. The positive impact of this initiative will not only restore dignity and ownership rights of individuals but also set a precedent for other provinces to follow. Land encroachment is not just a Punjab problem it’s a national issue. Other provincial governments should take note and replicate this model, ensuring that land disputes are resolved in a timely and just manner across the country.
