Ordinance issued to remove encroachment of govt properties

ISLAMABAD:

The government issued Government Property (Elimination of Encroachments) Ordinance 2021 on Tuesday, aimed at removing illegal occupation and encroachment on government property.

The Ordinance has been promulgated by President Dr Arif Alvi under Article 89 of the Constitution. Under the ordinance, a competent officer will have the power to issue an order for the release of illegal possession.

In case the property is not vacated within the stipulated time, the ordinance says that the officer will have the power to take action and use force. The local police will provide necessary assistance to the administration for the transfer of government property.

The money spent on eliminating encroachments will also be recovered from the illegal occupant and the illegal occupants will also face imprisonment and fines, according to the ordinance.

Under the ordinance, the president will form an appellate tribunal in consultation with the Chief Justice of Pakistan to end the encroachments. The appellate tribunal will be the only forum authorised to deal with the seizure of government property and the elimination of encroachments.

Besides, President Alvi also issued the Public Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2021. Section 14 of the Public Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Act, 2021 has been amended.