LAND OWNERSHIP IN PAKISTAN: AN OVERVIEW AND LAWS

LAND OWNERSHIP IN PAKISTAN: AN OVERVIEW AND LAWS  

  

Everyone can own land who is a resident of that specific locality/region/country. Almost every citizen of a country is eligible to own land within the national territory. Our focus is to see the rules and regulations of land ownership laws and procedures in Pakistan.  

  

What is Land?  

 Land refers to any immovable property including buildings, land, and any benefits that are attached to the earth."  

  

Who can own land In Pakistan?  

  

Pakistani Nationals 

According to the constitution of Pakistan, every Pakistani National is eligible to own property. There is no exact upper or lower limit of land acquisition by an individual. Some individual owns thousands of acres of land and the majority own a few Marla of land. People involved in the agriculture sector hold the majority of useable land in Pakistan.   

  

Overseas Pakistani  

Overseas Pakistani are considered Pakistani citizens except they do not cancel their Pakistani passports. They may have dual nationality but still can own land in Pakistan without any restrictions.   

  

Government institutions  

Government agencies are allowed to own land for different purposes, like for strategic structures, educational institutions, the construction of infrastructure, etc.  

  

Private Companies  

Private companies can acquire land for investment purposes. The government offers land to private companies in easy conditions, so they can build factories, mills, societies, private institutions, farmhouses, etc.  

  

Foreign citizens 

Our constitution does not offer direct land ownership to foreigners, but it allows foreigners to invest in land in multiple ways. Foreigners have to fulfill the general law requirement to possess the land. The procedure is a bit lengthy, but once a foreign citizen completes the requirement, he/she can own land in Pakistan.  

  

Multinational Companies  

The procedure is almost the same as the foreign citizens. The company has to complete the required procedure and can acquire land for construction, mining, and agriculture purposes.  

  

Foreign Governments  

Foreign Governments can own land in Pakistan. Mostly they acquire land for agricultural purposes and sometimes they acquire land for the construction of Embassies and educational institutions. They acquire land on lease for a specified period.  

  

What is in the Constitution about land ownership?  

 

Article 23 of the Pakistan constitution, states that  

"Every Citizen shall have the right to acquire, dispose, and hold the property in Pakistan."  

  

Article 172 of the Constitution states,  

"Any property which has no rightful owner shall if located in the province, vest in the Government of that province. And in every other case, in the Federal Government."