36 encroached properties restored to widows

Under Punjab's new protection ordinance district committee to resolve cases within 90 days

FAISALABAD:

The District Dispute Resolution Committee (DDRC) has resolved 36 cases of illegal occupation on the properties of widows, ensuring the land was vacated and returned to its rightful owners, Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Nadeem Nasir announced on Thursday.

Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed the authorities concerned to resolve on a priority basis the cases of occupation of property of widows.

She also directed the assistant commissioners in every tehsil to receive applications regarding land grabbing and expressed her displeasure over lack of early decisions in cases in Gujrat, Layyah, Hafizabad and other districts.

Officials said 2,919 applications against illegal occupation had been received in three weeks.

The DC was chairing a committee meeting attended by applicants and officers of various departments.

He said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had directed strict and immediate action against unlawful possession of widows' property, and the administration was ensuring full enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Immovable Properties Ordinance 2025.

He said every decision under the ordinance is being implemented without delay, adding that the provincial government has established a special cell to deal with cases of property possession obtained through force, fraud, deception, or any illegal means.

Under the law, the entire process — from filing an application to the final decision — must be completed within 90 days.

DC Nasir highlighted the case of Naseem Begum, a widow from a rural area who had been fighting a hereditary land dispute for 12 years. When she approached the DDRC, her case was resolved within one week, and her land was restored.

He also noted that two long-pending land mutation cases, delayed for two years due to unnecessary procedural hurdles, including demands for sale and purchase records and eyewitnesses, were swiftly decided after both parties recorded their statements before the committee.

Once a dispute is settled, the DDRC forwards its findings to a special tribunal for formal legal orders.

The tribunal, to comprise former district or high court judges appointed for three years, will issue binding decisions based on the committee's recommendations.

Citizens seeking relief must submit property documents, evidence, and details of the illegal occupants with their applications, which can only be filed in the relevant district.

The DC reiterated that the government is committed to protecting the rights of widows and vulnerable citizens, ensuring their properties are safeguarded from illegal occupation.