Punjab Governor Introduces Digital Land Reform Measures

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has approved a suite of ordinances designed to modernize land administration and bolster property rights in Punjab. Issuing the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance and Immovable Property Ownership Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the governor aims to ensure transparency and accountability across the sector.

The new ordinance introduces digital systems for all procedures including transfer of possession, profit-based land allocation, and improved appeal processes. Public notices, summonses, and announcements will be issued electronically, streamlining communication and reducing human error.

Legal procedures such as land demarcation and eviction of illegal occupants are also updated to include e-registration for all transfers, with only the Board of Revenue having the authority to remit cases to lower courts. This ensures a streamlined legal framework that prioritizes transparency.

Additionally, the Immovable Property Ownership Protection Amendment streamlines dispute resolution by replacing the Dispute Resolution Committee with a Scrutiny Committee composed of DCs, DPOs, ACs, SDPOs, Circle Revenue Officers, and police station in-charges. The new legislation harshens penalties for illegal possession, mandating imprisonment between 5-10 years or a fine up to 10 million PKR.

False complaints will face penalties of 5 years in prison and fines of up to 500,000 PKR. Filing procedures have also been updated, now requiring complaints to be submitted to a tribunal of serving judges within three days for review by the Scrutiny Committee.

These changes come after the Lahore High Court had suspended enforcement of the Property Ownership Protection Act in Punjab. The ordinance’s introduction aims to address issues related to illegal land grabbing and improve overall governance practices. Following the issuance, additional session judges will join the tribunal as members, replacing retired high court and session judges’ oversight duties previously.

These comprehensive reforms are part of a larger initiative by Governor Haider to ensure efficient, equitable, and secure land management in Punjab.