The Punjab government has enacted an ordinance to criminalize unlawful property occupancy.

The Punjab government has released a gazette notification for the Punjab Ownership Property (Amendment) Ordinance, rendering illegal property occupation a penal offense.

Under the ordinance, anyone involved in unlawful occupation can face five to ten years in prison and a fine of up to Rs10 million. Facilitators who aid in unlawful occupancy will also face penalties.

The edict, promulgated by Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Khan, authorizes the creation of specialized Punjab Property Tribunals in each district, facilitating the immediate submission of occupation-related grievances. Committees consisting of the DC, DPO, AC, and ADCR shall resolve complaints and present reports to the tribunal within 30 days.

When parties achieve an agreement or settlement, the committee will submit a report to the tribunal for a final determination. The tribunal may issue interim orders concerning property regulation during hearings.

The Punjab government, in collaboration with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, may appoint Additional Session Judges as tribunal members, who shall possess jurisdiction over certain cases in the absence of the parties involved. Tribunals must adjudicate complaints within one month and may issue directives for financial restitution based on property valuation.

Applicants may petition for the transfer of active cases to the tribunal via the court currently adjudicating the issue. The ordinance is inapplicable to matters under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, Lahore High Court, or constitutional courts. Tribunal decisions may be contested at the Lahore High Court within a period of 30 days.