President Asif Ali Zardari has officially approved the Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill, 2024 and the Deposit Protection Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, under Article 75 of the Constitution.

“This act facilitates swift and efficient resolution of property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis,” said Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on its website.

The new legislation enables the federal government to establish special courts specifically for overseas Pakistanis, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court. These courts will address applications regarding immovable property from overseas citizens, with judges endowed with the authority equivalent to district court judges.

Significantly, the law allows for electronic filing of applications. If a party fails to appear in court a second time, proceedings will continue without them. The special courts will limit the overseas Pakistani parties to two opportunities to present evidence and permit participation via video link.

Under the new provisions, applications must be resolved within 90 days, and affected individuals have 15 days to appeal to the High Court, which is also mandated to decide appeals within 90 days. The courts will prevent the transfer of property until a decision is reached, ensuring that it is transferred to the affected party.

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