Pindi unveils anti-encroachment mechanism
On the special instructions of the provincial chief executive, a dedicated cell has been established in Rawalpindi to receive applications from complainants regarding the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Immovable Properties Ordinance.
Under this Ordinance, cases involving unlawful occupation of land or propertywhether through force, fraud, deception, or any other illegal meanswill be addressed and resolved through a structured legal mechanism.
A high-level meeting was convened at the office of the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner to review matters related to the implementation of the Ordinance.
The meeting was attended by City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, SSP Operations, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Divisional Superintendents of Police, and the Assistant Commissioners.
The primary objective of the Ordinance is to ensure the prompt resolution of illegal property occupation cases and to facilitate necessary legal proceedings. Through close coordination between the district administration and the police, matters concerning encroachments and property disputes will be dealt with efficiently.
The CPO, DC, SSP Operations, ADC (Revenue), Divisional SPs, Assistant Commissioners and SDPOs will serve as members of the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC).
If a settlement is reached between the parties before the DRC, the Committee will forward its report to the Tribunal for the issuance of appropriate legal orders. The Tribunal will consist of former District or High Court judges and its members will be appointed for a term of three years. Upon receiving a DRC report for a resolved matter, the Tribunal will issue the necessary legal directive.
In cases where the parties fail to reach a settlement before the DRC, the Committee will submit its recommendations to the Tribunal, where formal trial proceedings will commence. Property-related cases currently pending before civil or sessions courts may also be transferred to the Tribunal for adjudication.
A dedicated cell has been set up at the office of the DC for the submission of applications. The entire processfrom the filing of the application to the final decisionshall not exceed 90 days.
Applicants must submit relevant property documents, supporting evidence, and particulars of the individual accused of unlawful occupation. Applications may only be filed within the district where the property is located. When summoned by the DRC, only the parties themselves or their immediate family members may appear.