Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed provincial authorities to move swiftly against land grabbers, especially in cases involving vulnerable widows. She stressed that officials must treat such complaints as an immediate priority because these women often lack the resources to defend their property rights.
Widows’ Cases Moved to the Top of the Agenda
Maryam Nawaz stated that widows face the greatest risk when land mafias target their plots. She urged officials to resolve these cases without delay so families can regain their security. She also instructed deputy commissioners to hold daily review meetings and share complete updates with her office.
Her team believes that consistent monitoring will help reduce delays that usually result from slow paperwork or weak coordination between departments. The Chief Minister aims to remove these hurdles so people can receive timely assistance.
Many widows struggle to pursue lengthy legal battles due to limited income or lack of legal awareness. Maryam Nawaz wants the administration to guide them through the process and ensure they do not face harassment from powerful individuals.
Punjab Implements the 2025 Ordinance
The provincial government announced that Maryam Nawaz ordered authorities to fully implement the 2025 Ordinance, which strengthens the legal framework against illegal occupation of land. She believes the ordinance gives district officials clear powers to restore property to rightful owners.
She also instructed local administrations to share information about these measures through mosque announcements. Officials say this step will help reach residents in remote or rural areas who may not use digital platforms regularly.
Punjab has struggled with land mafias for many years. These groups exploit loopholes in outdated land records and often intimidate residents. The government hopes that strict enforcement of the ordinance will reduce these practices and encourage people to report violations without fear.
AC Offices Open to Receive Complaints in Every Tehsil
The government statement confirmed that every Assistant Commissioner’s office across Punjab must stay ready to receive complaints at any time. Residents can walk into these offices and file their requests without additional paperwork.
Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over slow decision-making in Gujrat, Layyah and Hafizabad. She asked district leaders in these regions to respond faster and fix the administrative gaps that caused delays. She also warned officials against ignoring complaints or showing leniency toward influential groups.
Her administration continues urging officers to maintain transparent records, call complainants for timely updates and complete field verification without unnecessary procedural steps.
Almost 3,000 Complaints Filed in Three Weeks
Punjab recorded 2,919 complaints related to illegal land occupation during the last three weeks. District Dispute Resolution Committees resolved 499 of these cases through mediation and administrative action.
These committees play a crucial role because they help communities settle disputes without lengthy court cases. Many of the pending complaints involve unclear land titles, decades-old property divisions or conflicts between relatives. Teams often travel to the sites to check boundaries and collect evidence before issuing decisions.
Although a large number of cases remain unresolved, administrators say the new directives will help them handle complaints more efficiently.
A Broader Push for Stronger Governance
Maryam Nawaz’s decision reflects her broader effort to improve governance, strengthen administrative accountability and curb the influence of land mafias. Analysts say her approach may help rebuild trust in government institutions, especially among the poor who often feel ignored in property disputes.
The Chief Minister believes that secure property rights encourage economic stability and support investment. She argues that communities with clear land ownership face fewer conflicts and progress more quickly.
Through her latest effort, she hopes to deliver quick justice and protect families who lack the means to defend themselves. District administrations will now submit weekly reports as Punjab intensifies its drive against illegal land occupation.
