Senate Greenlights Special Courts for Swift Resolution of Overseas Pakistanis’ Property Cases

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan— In a major move to address the longstanding grievances of overseas Pakistanis, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed the Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act, 2024 on Thursday. The legislation, introduced by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, aims to streamline the resolution of property disputes faced by Pakistanis living abroad.

The newly formed special courts will expedite property-related cases, ensuring they are resolved within a strict 90-day period. The bill also introduces modern mechanisms, allowing overseas Pakistanis to file their complaints online and present evidence through video links, offering much-needed accessibility and convenience. The courts, which will have jurisdiction across the Islamabad Capital Territory, are part of a broader governmental effort to safeguard the interests of the diaspora.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui hailed the passing of the bill, calling it a much-needed initiative. He emphasized the importance of overseas Pakistanis, describing them as the backbone of the country’s economy. “The remittances sent by these Pakistanis have reached an all-time high, crossing three billion dollars a month. This bill ensures that their contributions are recognized and their rights protected,” he remarked.

The legislation has been widely praised for offering a speedy resolution to property disputes, a problem that has plagued overseas Pakistanis for decades. The 90-day timeframe for settling cases marks a significant step forward in preventing delays that often lead to prolonged and costly litigation.

On the same day, the Senate passed another critical piece of legislation — the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill, moved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. This amendment aims to bolster the stability of Pakistan’s financial system by strengthening the bank resolution and recovery framework. The minister explained that the amendment would prevent the use of taxpayers’ money to bail out non-viable banks, ensuring only under “extreme circumstances” would public funds be needed.

Aurangzeb elaborated that the funds held by deposit insurance agencies would now be available for providing financial support, ensuring the resilience of Pakistan’s banking sector in times of crisis.

In addition to legislative advancements, the Senate passed a resolution congratulating the government on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Senator Sherry Rehman, who moved the resolution, described the event as a monumental achievement for Pakistan, significantly enhancing its standing both regionally and globally.

Rehman emphasized that the summit underscored Pakistan’s role in fostering regional connectivity, particularly with the inauguration of Gwadar Port by China, and noted that the country’s diplomatic engagement had reached new heights. She praised Pakistan’s hospitality and security measures, which garnered international recognition and ensured the summit’s success.

“We must not rest on our laurels,” Rehman cautioned, urging continued efforts to capitalize on the momentum generated by the summit. She also drew attention to the fate of other regional forums, such as Saarc, warning that Pakistan must work to ensure the SCO does not meet a similar decline.

Both bills and resolutions passed on Thursday reflect Pakistan’s growing engagement in the international arena while taking concrete steps to protect the interests of its citizens, both at home and abroad.