ISLAMABAD: In a significant move, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law a bill establishing special courts to expedite property dispute cases involving overseas Pakistanis, aiming for resolution within 90 days.
Passed by the Senate on October 17, the bill, presented by Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik, was unanimously approved, although PTI Senator Ali Zafar requested further scrutiny, citing concerns about the risk of false cases. The special courts will have jurisdiction across the Islamabad Capital Territory, providing a dedicated legal pathway for overseas Pakistanis to safeguard their property rights.
These courts offer modern conveniences for overseas litigants, including e-filing and video-link evidence submissions. This evidence will be overseen by officials from Pakistan’s High Commission, embassy, or consulate, ensuring both accessibility and integrity in the process.
By mandating a 90-day timeframe for case resolution, the new law is designed to address long-standing delays in property cases, offering overseas Pakistanis a fast and effective remedy. Additionally, President Zardari has also approved the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024, granting both approvals under Article 75 of the Constitution.
This legislation represents a milestone in strengthening legal protections for overseas Pakistanis, aiming to facilitate transparent and timely access to justice.
