The Pakistan Bar Council has strongly opposed the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act, 2025. On Saturday, the council demanded the immediate recall of the newly enacted law. It also warned the Punjab government against implementing what it described as unlawful demands of land mafias. The council issued the warning during a high-level meeting in Islamabad.
PBC Stands Firm With Lahore High Court
Vice Chairman Chaudhry Tahir Nasrullah Warraich presided over the meeting of the outgoing PBC cabinet. During the session, members unanimously rejected the controversial law. Moreover, they demanded that the Punjab government issue an apology to the Lahore High Court. The council criticized what it called insulting remarks and a rude attitude toward the judiciary.
The Pakistan Bar Council reaffirmed its full support for the Lahore High Court. It stated that lawyers would not allow any compromise on judicial independence. Furthermore, the council warned that the legal community could launch a nationwide movement if authorities failed to act within a few days.
Earlier, on December 22, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum suspended the law’s implementation. She also announced that a full bench would hear and decide the matter. Consequently, the suspension intensified legal and political debate across Punjab.
Lawyers Reject Parallel System for Property Disputes
Tensions further escalated on December 24. On that day, lawyers’ associations across the province endorsed the Lahore High Court’s decision. Notably, these associations acted regardless of political affiliation. Their unified stance strengthened opposition to the law.
During its 247th meeting at the Supreme Court Building, the PBC passed a detailed resolution. In addition to other agenda items, the council focused on the property law. The resolution rejected the act in its entirety. It criticized provisions that empower deputy commissioner-led committees to decide property disputes.
According to the PBC, the law violates constitutional principles. It also conflicts with existing legal frameworks. These include the Qanoon-i-Shahadat, Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, and Illegal Dispossession Act. Therefore, the council argued that the new law makes established statutes redundant.
Council Warns of Judicial and Civil Rights Erosion
The resolution praised the Lahore High Court chief justice for issuing a timely suspension order. The council stated that the law undermined settled legal principles governing property matters. Furthermore, it warned that the act created a parallel judicial system. Under the law, government officials would replace courts in deciding property disputes.
The PBC expressed concern that revenue officers could hand over possession even when cases remain pending in civil courts. As a result, the council described the law as a direct threat to civil rights and judicial supremacy. It also alleged that certain elements aimed to concentrate all powers within the executive.
Additionally, the council condemned alleged propaganda against the judiciary following the suspension order. It expressed grave concern over what it termed an onslaught against the Lahore High Court. Moreover, it accused the Punjab government of protecting land mafias and property grabbers through the legislation.
Ultimately, the PBC emphasized that the judiciary holds constitutional authority to interpret laws. It stated that the Lahore High Court rightly acted to protect justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
