Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Says LHC Order Weakens Property Protection, Helps Land Mafia

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly criticised the Lahore High Court (LHC) decision to suspend the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance 2025, warning that the move could benefit land mafia and weaken protections for ordinary citizens.

Reacting to the court’s order, the chief minister said the ordinance was designed to protect millions of people, especially widows, poor families, and the oppressed, from illegal land grabbing. She argued that suspending the law would reverse hard-won protections and empower powerful land grabbers.

The statement came after LHC Chief Justice Alia Neelum suspended the implementation of the ordinance and restored possession of properties that had been seized under the law.

What Is the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance 2025?

The Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance, passed last month, was introduced to tackle the long-standing issue of illegal land grabbing across Punjab.

Land disputes in the province often take years in civil courts, during which vulnerable property owners—especially widows and low-income families—are forced out of their homes by powerful groups. The ordinance aimed to provide quick administrative relief to such victims.

According to the Punjab government, the law was meant to strengthen property rights, not replace the judicial system.

Why Was the Property Law Introduced?

The Punjab government says land grabbing has become a major social and economic problem. Many citizens lose their homes due to:

• Fake property registrations
• Forged ownership documents
• Threats and coercion by land mafias
• Long and costly court cases

Maryam Nawaz said the ordinance created a legal mechanism that allows ordinary citizens to defend their property quickly, without waiting years for court decisions.

Role of District Dispute Resolution Committees

Under the ordinance, a District Dispute Resolution Committee (DDRC) was established in each district.

Composition of the Committee

Each committee includes:

• Deputy Commissioner (Chairperson)
• District Police Officer (DPO)
• Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue)
• Other relevant officials

Powers of the Committee

The committee is empowered to:

• Summon official land records
• Hold hearings involving both parties
• Take immediate administrative steps to protect property
• Prevent illegal occupation during disputes

Complaints must be decided within 90 days, with a one-time extension of another 90 days if approved by the commissioner.

No Lawyers, Personal Appearance Required

One of the controversial features of the ordinance is that:

• Parties must appear in person
• Lawyers are generally not allowed

The government argued this was done to:

• Reduce delays
• Prevent manipulation through legal loopholes
• Make the process simpler for poor citizens

However, critics—including the Lahore High Court—raised concerns about due process and legal safeguards.

Lahore High Court’s Decision to Suspend the Law

On Monday, Chief Justice Alia Neelum suspended the implementation of the ordinance after hearing objections.

Key Observations by the Court

The court questioned:

• How a revenue officer could restore possession while a case is pending in a civil court
• Whether the law undermines judicial authority
• If civil rights were being effectively nullified

The chief justice also noted that the law barred the high court from issuing a stay, calling it a serious constitutional concern.

Court Raises Concerns About Safeguards

During the hearing, the LHC expressed concerns over:

• Possible use of fake registrations
• Reliance on forged documents
• Lack of adequate checks and balances

Chief Justice Neelum remarked that:

“You call someone on the phone and say, ‘Come, or your property is gone.’ You stand here while your house is being taken?”

She emphasized that such actions could violate basic legal protections and require deeper judicial scrutiny.

Full Bench Recommended for the Case

Recognising the seriousness of the matter, the chief justice recommended the formation of a full bench to hear objections against the law.

This indicates that the court views the issue as:

• Constitutionally sensitive
• Legally complex
• Impactful for millions of citizens

Until the full bench hears the case, the ordinance remains suspended.

Maryam Nawaz’s Strong Reaction to LHC Order

Responding to the suspension, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defended the ordinance and criticised the court’s move.

She said the law:

• Was not enacted for personal benefit
• Was meant to empower ordinary citizens
• Provided a legal shield against land mafia

According to her, suspending the law sends a dangerous message.

“This Decision Helps Land Mafia,” Says CM Punjab

Maryam Nawaz warned that the suspension would:

• Encourage land grabbers
• Weaken administrative protection for property owners
• Be perceived by the public as support for illegal elements

She stressed that powerful land mafias thrive when legal and administrative mechanisms are weakened.

Impact on Widows, Poor, and Vulnerable Citizens

The chief minister highlighted that the real victims of the suspension would be:

• Widows living alone
• Poor families without legal resources
• Elderly property owners
• Oppressed citizens facing threats

She said these groups cannot afford long court battles and depend on quick state intervention for protection.

Government vs Judiciary: A Legal and Constitutional Debate

The case has now become a broader debate about:

• Administrative authority vs judicial oversight
• Speedy justice vs due process
• Protection of citizens vs constitutional limits

While the government insists the law complements the justice system, the court fears it oversteps constitutional boundaries.

What Happens Next?

With the ordinance suspended:

• Properties seized under the law have been restored
• District committees cannot act under the ordinance
• The issue awaits a full bench hearing

The final outcome will likely shape:

• Future land dispute mechanisms in Punjab
• Balance of power between administration and judiciary
• Property protection laws nationwide

Why This Case Matters for Punjab

Land ownership is one of the most sensitive issues in Punjab. Any change in property law directly affects:

• Social stability
• Investment confidence
• Public trust in governance

That is why the suspension of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance has triggered strong reactions from both the government and the public.

Conclusion

The suspension of the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance 2025 has opened a major legal and political debate. While Maryam Nawaz insists the law protects ordinary citizens from land mafia, the Lahore High Court has raised serious concerns about due process and judicial authority.

As the case moves toward a full bench hearing, millions of Punjab residents await clarity on whether administrative protection or judicial safeguards will prevail in the fight against illegal land grabbing.

FAQs – Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance & LHC Order