Punjab Appoints Judges in 37 Districts to Resolve Overseas Pakistanis’ Property Cases

One-Window Facilitation Centre Established on Mall Road to Address 35,000 Complaints

By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab has taken major steps to resolve property disputes affecting Pakistanis living abroad. Barrister Amjad Malik, Vice Chairman of the Commission, announced that judges have been appointed in special courts across 37 districts of Punjab to eliminate illegal occupations of properties belonging to overseas Pakistanis. A dedicated PERA department has been established to recover such properties from unlawful occupants.

Following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a One-Window Facilitation Centre has also been set up at the Alfalah Building on Mall Road, Lahore, where representatives from NADRA, Khidmat Markaz, Land & Property, and other departments are available to assist overseas Pakistanis. So far, 26,000 applications submitted by overseas Pakistanis have been resolved out of a total of 35,000 complaints received.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester, Barrister Malik said that Pakistani consulates will be granted registrar powers to ensure transparent property transfers, reducing fraud in power of attorney processes. The Commission’s system is supported by multiple departments, including land, property, and police authorities.

Special courts in the 37 districts will decide cases within three months, while the High Court appeals process has been expedited. Overseas Pakistanis will also be able to record statements at Pakistan’s High Commission and consulates during case proceedings. Cases involving the Kashmiri community in the UK will be heard by the federal court in Islamabad.

Barrister Malik emphasized that media support is vital to highlight challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis and to promote Pakistan’s positive image globally, including its tourism, healthcare, and investment opportunities. He also announced plans for parliamentary seats for overseas Pakistanis and the establishment of an “Overseas Bank.”

Additional measures include online land transfer services from London, technical training for prospective overseas travelers, and a separate department to address benami (undisclosed) properties. Negotiations on dual citizenship are ongoing with Turkey and Portugal, and Pakistanis are allowed to hold dual nationality.

Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal expressed gratitude for the briefing, emphasizing the Commission’s efforts to serve overseas Pakistanis and ensure they benefit from the available services. A dinner was hosted for all participants following the briefing.