Senate enacts special court law for overseas property disputes

ISLAMABAD: The Senate enacted the Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistan Property) Act, 2024.

The law is designed to protect the rights of overseas Pakistanis in property matters. It is aimed at streamlining the resolution of property disputes involving citizens living abroad.

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The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development introduced the bill.

The new legislation establishes a special court with authority over the Islamabad Capital Territory. It allows overseas Pakistanis to submit  petitions electronically, utilising modern technology such as e-filing.

The court will also accept evidence via video links or other legally recognised methods, with supervision from officials at Pakistan’s diplomatic missions.

The act stipulates that cases brought before the special court must be resolved within 90 days. This will ensure that quick justice is given and protecting overseas Pakistanis.

Nelore Heights Housing Project

Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Baord approved a full refund of processing fees for the overseas Pakistanis, who invested in the Nelore Heights Housing Project.

The decision came from the CDA’s 15^th board meeting, led by Cahirman Muhammad Ali Randhaw.

The CDA board also announced that the plots in Section C-14 will be allocated through a balloting process, giving preference to nationals living abroad.

To address the issues of affected residents, the board formed a seven-member committee to review their cases, while a third-party validation committee will assess findings to ensure equitable rehabilitation benefits.

The board also established a committee to revise the CDA’s land acquisition regulations. The CDA’s law wing has been tasked with developing recommendations for the establishment and restoration of covered markets in the city.

The board also approved a promotion pathway for park managers and assistant park managers within the environment wing.

It also upgraded physical training instructors for grade 16 officers aligning their status with federal standards.