Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued an interim order suspending the operation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025.

The order came during hearings on petitions filed by Abida Parveen and others, who challenged actions taken under the new law in property dispute cases.

The chief justice also suspended decisions made under the ordinance that allowed authorities to take possession of properties.

While questioning the law, she remarked: “Someone should inform the government that if this law remains in force, even Jati Umra (the Sharif family residence) could be vacated within half an hour.

 “It appears that some people want to hold all powers.”

Justice Neelum asked how a revenue officer could hand over possession of property when the matter was already pending before a civil court.

She observed that the ordinance had weakened the civil system, civil rights, and judicial authority.

 “If it is up to the authorities, they would even suspend the Constitution,” she added.

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The chief justice pointed out that under the new law, if a deputy commissioner handed over someone’s house to another person, the affected individual had no right to appeal.

She also noted that the ordinance did not allow the high court to grant a stay in such cases.

During the hearing, the Punjab chief secretary and other officials were present, but the Punjab advocate general did not appear due to illness.

Justice Neelum responded by saying that she herself was unwell and advised bed rest, yet continued to preside over the court proceedings.

She later announced that a full bench would be formed to hear the case further and adjourned the proceedings.

Separately, a Punjab law officer said the provincial government could challenge the interim order before the Supreme Court or approach the Federal Constitutional Court, as the case involved legal questions.

“The government may also request the proposed full bench to review the stay order. However, its chances of obtaining relief through that route are relatively slim,” he said.

The ordinance was approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on October 31 and aimed to resolve land disputes within 90 days.

Earlier, Justice Neelum had remarked that “patwaris (revenue officials) and ACs (assistant commissioners) seem to have developed a desire to become judges”.