RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Friday disposed of the petitions filed against illegal encroachments of plots after Punjab government retrieved the land from illegal occupation and gave its possessions to the rightful owners.

LHC Justice Jawad Hassan finally resolved the longstanding land dispute involving petitioners Abdul Latif Chaudhary and Mohammad Asghar, granting them possession of their allotted plots in Rawalpindi.

During the hearing, Senior Legal Advisor, Mr Abdul Razzaq, representing the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), confirmed that the petitioners had received their plots, supported by a detailed report submitted in court.

The report, placed on the case file, included signatures of both petitioners and relevant government officials involved in the handover process.

In response, the petitioners` counsel, Mr Saeed Yousaf Khan, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings. The petitioners, including Abdul Latif Chaudhary, who appeared in court on a wheelchair, and Muhammad Asghar, affirmed that they had taken possession of their plots.

Additionally, Mr Furgan Ahmad Mirza, counsel for the Rawalpindi Press Club Cooperative Housing Society, confirmed that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) had been issued tofacilitate construction on the plots.

He assured the court that the society`s managing committee would protect the petitioners` rights and that no further disputes would arise.

Justice Jawad Hassan, while disposing of the case, emphasised the protection of fundamental rights enshrined under Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantee citizens` right to property. Citing previous judicial precedents, he directed that no action detrimental to the petitioners` rights be taken except by the law.

The court acknowledged the efforts of government officials in resolving the dispute, specifically commending Chief Secretary Punjab, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, for his leadership and supervision in ensuring compliance with legal procedures.

Justice Hassan also appreciated the contributions of former Advocate General Punjab, Mr Khalid Ishaq (now a judge), Secretary Information & Culture Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, and Additional Secretary Muhammad Nawaz Gondal in facilitating the resolution.

Referring to the Punjab Government Rules of Business, 2011, and past judgments, Justice Hassan underscored the responsibilities of government officials in handling such cases.

He reaffirmed the importance of their role in maintaining public order and ensuring the efficient administration of housing societies.