National ( The cow news digital ) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved a new law aimed at protecting the property rights of overseas Pakistanis, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns related to illegal occupation and delayed legal proceedings.
The legislation, titled the Overseas Pakistanis Property Act 2026, was passed to provide faster legal relief and stronger institutional support for Pakistanis living abroad who face disputes over their properties in the province.
Under the newly approved law, a special court will be established in consultation with the Peshawar High Court to exclusively hear cases involving overseas Pakistanis’ properties and illegal land occupation matters. According to the provisions of the bill, the judge of the special court will hold a rank equivalent to an Additional District and Sessions Judge.
The law also introduces measures designed to simplify legal participation for overseas citizens. Pakistanis residing abroad will be allowed to attend court proceedings through video link facilities, reducing the need for international travel and making the judicial process more accessible.
Another major feature of the legislation is the introduction of a fixed timeline for resolving disputes. The special court will be required to decide property-related cases within four months, while appeals filed against the court’s decisions must be resolved by the High Court within three months.
Government officials and lawmakers have described the move as an important initiative to restore confidence among overseas Pakistanis, many of whom contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances but frequently face challenges in protecting their assets back home.
Property disputes and illegal land occupation have remained key concerns for expatriate Pakistanis for years, often discouraging investment and causing prolonged legal complications. Supporters of the bill believe the new framework could help accelerate dispute resolution and improve legal protection for overseas investors.
The legislation is also expected to strengthen trust between the government and the overseas Pakistani community by ensuring quicker judicial action and greater transparency in property-related matters.
Legal experts say the effectiveness of the law will largely depend on the implementation of the special courts and the timely disposal of cases as outlined in the act.
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