Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Monday suspended the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, halting its implementation and all actions taken under it.
Justice Neelum issued the interim order while hearing petitions challenging the ordinance, which authorizes deputy commissioner-led committees to decide property disputes and order the transfer of possession.
Through her ruling, the court also suspended decisions made under the law to dispossess individuals of their properties.
During the hearing, the chief justice raised serious concerns about the ordinance, questioning how revenue officers could decide matters already pending before civil courts. She observed that the law undermined the civil justice system, civil rights, and judicial authority.
Justice Neelum also pointed out that the ordinance does not provide an appeal mechanism for affected individuals and restricts the high court’s power to grant stay orders.
The Punjab chief secretary and other officials attended the hearing, while the advocate general did not appear, citing illness. Justice Neelum noted that despite her own health issues, she was present to hear the case.
The court announced that a full bench would be formed to further examine the matter and adjourned the hearing.
The ordinance, approved by the Punjab cabinet on October 31, requires land disputes to be resolved within 90 days and has faced multiple legal challenges.
