Illegal occupation of overseas Pakistanis’ properties: ‘Judges appointed in special courts across 37 districts of Punjab’

LAHORE: Vice Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab, Barrister Amjad Malik, has announced that judges have been appointed in special courts across 37 districts of Punjab to eliminate illegal occupations on properties belonging to overseas Pakistanis.

A dedicated “PERA” department has been established to recover properties from illegal occupants. On the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, a facilitation centre has also been set up on Mall Road, Lahore. So far, 26,000 applications submitted by overseas Pakistanis have been resolved.

According to DGPR, he expressed these views during a media briefing at the office of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester. The event was attended by Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Welfare Attaché Misbah Noreen, and a large number of senior journalists.

Barrister Amjad Malik said that Pakistani consulates will be given registrar powers to ensure transparent property transfers, which will help eliminate fraud in power of attorney processes. The Overseas Pakistanis Commission operates a comprehensive system supported by all relevant departments, including land, property, and police.

A state-of-the-art “One Window Facilitation Centre” has been established in the Alfalah Building, Mall Road Lahore, where representatives from NADRA, Khidmat Markaz, Land & Property, and other departments will be present.In addition to special courts, a committee under the Deputy Commissioner has been formed to address complaints of land grabbing affecting ordinary citizens. PERA has already recovered 1,000 illegally occupied properties.

He urged the media to highlight the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis so they can be promptly addressed. The Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab has so far received 35,000 complaints, out of which 26,000 have been resolved.

An electronic system for property sale, purchase, and transfer has been introduced. To ensure transparency and prevent misuse of power of attorney, consulates will soon provide this service directly. Notifications for the appointment of judges in 37 cities of Punjab have already been issued. Special courts will decide cases within three months, while the hearing process for appeals in the High Court has also been expedited.

Overseas Pakistanis will be able to record their statements at Pakistan’s High Commission and consulates during case proceedings. Consuls General will be granted registrar powers.

Property disputes involving the Kashmiri community in the UK will be heard by the federal court in Islamabad. He expressed hope that the AJK government will also soon establish an Overseas Commission similar to Punjab’s.

He added that the media must promote Pakistan’s positive image globally. Pakistan is an exemplary country in terms of tourism, healthcare, and investment opportunities. “We must strengthen Pakistan’s image and resolve all complaints of overseas Pakistanis.”

Responding to various questions, Barrister Amjad Malik said that separate parliamentary seats will be allocated for overseas Pakistanis and an “Overseas Bank” will be established. National festivals should be celebrated enthusiastically by Pakistani communities abroad. Overseas Pakistanis in the UK are being given top priority.

Airport off-loading remains a serious issue due to fake visas and efforts to curb human smuggling. Technical training is being provided to those wishing to travel abroad in the future. Online land transfer services have already started from London. A separate department has been set up in Pakistan to address benami (undisclosed) properties.

He said Pakistanis are allowed to hold dual nationality, and negotiations on dual citizenship are ongoing with Turkey and Portugal.

Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, while expressing gratitude at the conclusion, said that tireless efforts are being made to serve overseas Pakistanis. The briefing aimed to raise awareness of the services provided by the Overseas Pakistanis Commission so that more overseas Pakistanis can benefit from them. A dinner was also hosted for the participants.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025