Lahore High Court forms full bench to hear Property Ownership Ordinance case

Pakistan’s Lahore High Court (LHC) has set a crucial date for its full scrutiny of an ordinance that is causing controversy. Chief Justice Alia Neelum has led a three-member bench to hear over 200 petitions alleging misuse and abuse by committees formed under Deputy Commissioners, who are using paramilitary forces to reclaim land from citizens.

The full bench hearing on February 23 will focus heavily on allegations of exceeding legal authority and the ordinance’s use. Petitioners claim these committees have violated the rights vested in relevant tribunals. The LHC has already suspended the implementation of the ordinance until further notice, pending a thorough examination by this full bench.

The Punjab government was asked to provide province-wide ventilator data related to measles deaths during recent preliminary hearings, highlighting the court’s comprehensive approach to addressing the issue at hand.

This decision underscores the LHC’s commitment to ensuring justice and compliance with law. The impending hearing promises to be pivotal in determining how the Property Ownership Ordinance is enforced moving forward, as the full bench aims to address concerns about misuse and overreach by enforcement bodies.

As stakeholders prepare for the February 23 hearing, many eyes turn towards this development, expecting a ruling that will shape legal practices and public trust in government institutions.