Let’s say you work your entire life to buy a small piece of land for your family, only to have it forcefully taken away. For years, this has been a painful reality for many across Punjab Pakistan, especially for the most vulnerable. But now, a significant change is on the horizon.
In an important step to protect citizens’ rights, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a powerful new law particularly to dismantle the network of illegal land occupation. This Punjab new law isn’t just a policy on paper; it’s a promise of quick justice and a safer future for every family in the province.
What is the New Law Against Land Grabbers?
At its heart, the new law for land grabbers is about speed and severity. The government recognizes that delayed justice often benefits the powerful offender and punishes the helpless victim. This law is structured to change that dynamic completely.
The objective of this initiative is the establishment of special courts and tribunals that will focus only on cases of illegal land grabbing. But what makes these courts so different?
Key Features of the Maryam Nawaz New Announcement
- 90-Day Justice: The most groundbreaking aspect is the timeline. These special courts are mandated to decide land-grabbing cases within a strict 90-day period. This means victims won’t have to wait for years for a resolution.
- Protection for the Poor People: The law places a special emphasis on protecting properties belonging to widows, orphans, and what the CM described as the “helpless.” Their cases will be prioritized.
- Strict Punishments: Those found guilty of illegally seizing such properties will face severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years. This sends a clear message that land grabbing will no longer be a low-risk, high-reward crime.
- Specialized Courts: By creating courts dedicated to this specific issue, the government ensures that judges have the expertise to handle these complex cases efficiently and fairly.
The PERA Force
A law is only as strong as its enforcement. This is where the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) Force comes in. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while addressing the PERA Force’s passing-out parade, stated that establishing this force was a dream project.
| Feature | Old System | New System with PERA |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement | Fragmented, less specialized | Centralized, highly trained force |
| Speed of Action | Often slow and bureaucratic | Rapid response and enforcement |
| Focus Areas | General law and order | Specifically targeting encroachments and illegal occupations |
| Public Impact | Markets often clogged with encroachments | Markets are now free, benefiting shoppers and businesses |
This trained force, which includes women officers, is already showing results. The government has successfully cleared markets of illegal encroachments, a move that has been particularly welcomed by women who can now shop safely and conveniently. This success in tackling public space encroachments builds a strong foundation for enforcing the broader new law for land grabbers on private properties.
A Broader Vision for a Safer Punjab
The launch of this law is not an isolated act. It fits perfectly into the government’s wider vision, as outlined by CM Maryam Nawaz, to make Punjab “the safest place for mothers and daughters.” This commitment to protection and justice is a recurring theme in the current administration’s policies.
This focus on public safety and welfare is evident in other initiatives as well. For example, the government is actively working on programs like the Punjab Livestock Card to support farmers and the Asaan Karobar Card to ease the path for entrepreneurs. Just as these schemes aim to provide economic security, the Punjab new law against land grabbers aims to provide property security—a fundamental right for every citizen.
Furthermore, the administration’s dedication to welfare is clear from its various social protection programs. You can learn more about the broader welfare initiatives on the official welfare program page. Always make sure that people’s hard-earned assets, like their homes and land, are protected is the most basic form of welfare.
Why It’s Important for the Common Citizen?
For the average person in Punjab, this new law translates to:
- Peace of Mind: The fear of property being usurped will significantly decrease.
- Fast Redressal: If a crime does occur, the path to justice is now shorter and more defined.
- Economic Stability: Secure property rights are the bedrock of economic growth. People can invest in their land without fear.
- A Strong Deterrent: The strict penalties will act as a powerful deterrent against potential land grabbers.
Last Words
The introduction of this robust Punjab new law marks a turning point. By combining specialized judicial processes with a dedicated enforcement force (PERA), the government is taking a comprehensive approach to a deep-rooted problem. It’s a clear signal that the era of impunity for land grabbers is over.
This decisive action will deliver a quick justice, reinforces the government’s commitment to its people. It adds other social safety efforts, such as the Special Reward Scheme and the PSER Registration for employees, creating a holistic framework of security and support for all citizens of Punjab. This is an essential step towards building the safer, more just Punjab that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has envisioned.
