In a landmark ruling, the Lahore High Court has declared that all cases involving overseas Pakistanis’ properties will now be heard in special courts established under the Overseas Pakistanis Property Act, instead of civil courts.

The ruling ended confusion between civil and special courts over jurisdiction.

Justice Anwar Hussain delivered a 14-page written verdict, stating that cases cannot be bounced back and forth due to misinterpretation of the law. According to the ruling, if even one party in a case is an overseas Pakistani, the special court will have jurisdiction.

Pending cases transferred from civil courts will continue in the special courts from the same stage, and plaintiffs will not need to file fresh cases.

The court also dismissed objections regarding the jurisdiction of special courts, emphasising that their authority is not limited to disputes over possession or ownership.

Cases concerning inheritance, succession, partition, power of attorney, and both movable and immovable property of overseas Pakistanis will also fall under the special courts.

“The purpose of the Overseas Property Act is to protect the property of overseas Pakistanis and provide them with swift and effective justice,” the verdict stated.

“Cases cannot be unnecessarily shifted between civil and special courts.”

The Lahore High Court has directed all district and sessions judges to implement the decision immediately and ordered the registrar to circulate copies of the verdict to all relevant judges.