Lahore – Pakistan (HRNW)- Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has voiced strong reservations over a recently enacted property law by the Punjab government, questioning the legality and fairness of giving administrative officers such as patwaris and assistant commissioners judicial authority over land disputes.
During court proceedings, the Chief Justice remarked that a matter already pending before the Supreme Court cannot be acted upon by local revenue officials, calling the practice a mockery of justice. “What is happening in this country? Has Pakistan become a jungle where patwaris and tehsildars prepare fake documents and then decide people’s property rights?” she asked sharply.
Expressing outrage at the misuse of power, she added, “You have made patwaris, God forbid, into gods themselves. This injustice will not be allowed to continue.”
The Chief Justice’s comments highlight growing judicial concern about administrative overreach and corruption in property-related matters, with the court emphasizing that only competent judicial forums should have the authority to decide ownership disputes.
