ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) and Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024 under Article 75 of the Constitution.
Overseas Pakistanis will be able to file applications regarding immovable property in special courts. The judges of these courts will have the powers of a district court judge.
Under the new law, applications may also be filed electronically. If the respondent does not appear in court a second time, the court will proceed in the respondent’s absence.
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For overseas Pakistanis, the special court will not provide more than two opportunities for a party to give evidence. Overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to attend hearings via video link.
Under the new law, the court will dispose of the application within 90 days. The aggrieved person may appeal to the High Court within 15 days, which will dispose of the appeal within 90 days.
Court will prevent the respondent from transferring the property, transfer the property to the aggrieved party, and prohibit property transfer until a decision on the application is made.