Punjab Introduces Stricter Measures Against Illegal Property Occupation

Lahore: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has promulgated two key ordinances aimed at modernising land administration, digitising records and strengthening property ownership rights across the province.

The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, introduces sweeping reforms to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability within the land management system. The amendments link land partition directly with transfer of possession and introduce changes to appeals and review procedures. They also establish a legal framework for land demarcation and the removal of illegal occupants.

A major feature of the ordinance is the shift toward digital governance. Summons, notices and public announcements can now be issued through electronic means, while a comprehensive e-registration system has been introduced to digitise all land transfers. Under the new framework, patwaris will be limited to handling hereditary transfers only. Additionally, the Board of Revenue will be the sole authority empowered to remand cases to subordinate courts.

In a separate move, the governor also promulgated the Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, replacing the existing dispute resolution committee with a scrutiny committee comprising senior administrative and police officials, including the deputy commissioner, district police officer and relevant revenue officers.

The revised law introduces stricter penalties for illegal occupation of property, with punishments ranging from five to ten years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs10 million. False complaints may also result in penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs0.5 million.

Under the updated procedure, property disputes will be heard by tribunals consisting of serving judges. The tribunal must obtain a report from the scrutiny committee within three days, with the committee required to submit its findings within 30 days. The tribunal will then decide the case within the following 30 days, significantly reducing the overall timeline compared to the previous system, which could take up to 90 days.

The tribunal has also been granted powers to hear related offences in the same proceedings and to take preventive action, authorities previously exercised by deputy commissioners. Serving additional sessions, judges will now serve on these tribunals, replacing retired judges who previously held these positions.

Officials said the reforms are intended to curb land grabbing, reduce delays in dispute resolution and provide stronger legal protection for property owners while promoting a more transparent and digitally enabled land administration system.