LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Monday issued an interim order suspending the enforcement of the recently enacted Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, observing that the law undermines civil courts, constitutional rights, and judicial supremacy.
The chief justice passed the order while hearing petitions filed by Abida Parveen and others, challenging actions taken under the ordinance in property disputes. The court also suspended all decisions made under the law that resulted in the transfer or takeover of property possession.
Strongly criticizing the legislation, Justice Neelum warned that if the ordinance remained in force, any property even high-profile residences could be vacated within minutes.
It appears that some people want to concentrate all powers in their hands, she remarked.
Questioning the intent and legality of the ordinance, the chief justice asked how a revenue officer could hand over possession of a property while the matter was pending before a civil court. She observed that the law had effectively dismantled the civil justice system, eroding civil rights and judicial authority.
If left unchecked, the authorities would even suspend the Constitution, Justice Neelum observed.
The court further noted that the ordinance denied affected individuals the right to appeal, adding that it also restricted the high court’s power to grant a stay against such actions.
Senior provincial officials, including the Punjab chief secretary, were present during the hearing. However, the Punjab advocate general failed to appear, citing illness. Responding to this, Justice Neelum stated that despite being ill and advised bed rest, she was present in court to fulfil her constitutional duty.
The chief justice announced that a full bench would be constituted to hear the matter in detail and adjourned further proceedings.
Separately, a senior Punjab law officer told Dawn that the provincial government could challenge the LHC’s interim order before the Supreme Court under its appellate jurisdiction or approach the Federal Constitutional Court, as the case involved significant legal questions. He added that while the government could also seek a review by the proposed full bench, its chances of relief through that route were limited.
The ordinance, approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on October 31, mandates the resolution of land disputes within 90 days through deputy commissioner-led committees.
During earlier hearings, Justice Neelum had also questioned the role of a newly formed enforcement force under the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (Pera) and criticised revenue officials for encroaching upon judicial functions, remarking that patwaris and assistant commissioners seem eager to become judges.