President signs bill establishing special courts for overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has signed a landmark bill establishing special courts to resolve property disputes for overseas Pakistanis, ensuring their cases will be settled within 90 days.

The special courts will have jurisdiction over the entire Islamabad Capital Territory, and overseas Pakistanis can file petitions through modern devices, including e-filing.

The bill, presented by Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik, was unanimously approved by the Senate on October 17, despite PTI’s Ali Zafar requesting it be referred to a committee due to concerns about potential false cases.

The special court will allow evidence to be presented through video links or other legally acceptable modes, supervised by officials from Pakistan’s High Commission, embassy, or consulate.

This legislation demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of overseas Pakistanis and resolving property disputes efficiently.

Additionally, President Zardari approved the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024, granting both approvals under Article 75 of the Constitution.

This move aims to safeguard the property rights of Pakistani citizens living abroad and provide them with a swift and efficient justice system.