Lahore: The Punjab government has finalized a tough new law to target land grabbers, fraudsters and fraudulent real estate operators across the province.
The “Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025” approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been sent to the Punjab Assembly for formal approval. Once passed, it will become one of the province’s most powerful legal instruments against property-related crimes.
Under the new law, those found guilty of illegal possession, fraud, forgery or forcible acquisition of property will be punished with imprisonment for 5 to 10 years, while those who aid and abet such acts can be punished with imprisonment for 1 to 3 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 million.
If the crime is committed by a company or housing society, the responsible officials will also be held accountable. Property owners will be able to submit their complaints directly to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of their respective districts.
To ensure timely justice, each district will set up a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) headed by the DC, which will include the DPO, ADC Revenue, and other relevant officers. The committee will have the power to call for records, hold hearings and take administrative action to protect property rights.
Each case must be resolved within 90 days, with a possible extension of another 90 days if necessary. The findings of the committee will be submitted in writing to the Property Tribunal, and unresolved cases will be referred within 30 days.
To prevent abuse, false or malicious complaints will result in imprisonment for 1 to 5 years and a fine of up to 25% of the value of the property.
The government will set up Property Tribunals in each district, each headed by a retired judge of the High Court or District and Sessions Court. These tribunals will have powers equivalent to civil and sessions courts and will be bound to decide cases within 90 days.
The tribunals can order restoration of property, compensation and forced recovery with the help of police or government agencies. Appeals against the decisions of the tribunals can be filed before a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court.
Officials said the ordinance aims to protect the property rights of citizens and permanently end land grabbing practices in Punjab.
