ISLAMABAD:In a significant move to combat land grabbing, President Dr. Arif Alvi has directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad to restore a 10-marla property to an elderly woman. This decision upholds the orders of the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH).
The case revolves around Mst Munawar Bibi, who filed a complaint under the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020, stating that individuals identified as Malik Abdul Majeed and Jawad Shoukat, allegedly associated with a “qabza mafia,” illegally occupied her plot in Bara Kahu, Islamabad. FOSPAH investigated the complaint and ruled in favor of Mst Munawar Bibi, instructing the DC of Islamabad to restore her possession of the property.
However, the petitioners, Malik Abdul Majeed and others, challenged FOSPAH’s decision by filing a review petition, which was subsequently rejected. The rejection was based on evidence proving that Mst Munawar Bibi was the rightful owner of the property, with a registered sale deed dating back to 1979 and corresponding entries in revenue records. FOSPAH’s order mandated the involvement of the Bara Kahu Police Station and Patwari Halqa to facilitate the restoration process.
Undeterred, the petitioners approached the President with a representation, claiming ownership of a separate plot and arguing that FOSPAH failed to recognize this distinction. President Alvi dismissed their representation, citing a delay of over one month in filing it. He noted that the representation should have been submitted within 30 days of receiving the original order, and since the petitioners did not provide any information regarding the date of receipt, their representation was time-barred. The President emphasized that any concerns regarding the identification of the property should be addressed during the implementation process.
President Alvi concluded that the petitioners’ representation lacked both merit and timeliness. He reaffirmed his support for FOSPAH’s decision and directed the concerned authorities to carry out the restoration of the property according to the orders issued.
This decisive action by the President sends a strong message to land grabbers and emphasizes the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens, particularly vulnerable individuals such as elderly women. It also highlights the importance of a fair and efficient judicial process in resolving such disputes and combating the menace of land mafias.
