Special Court for Overseas Pakistanis, Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill approved

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) and Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024 under Article 75 of the Constitution.

Under the new law, the federal government will establish special courts for overseas Pakistanis in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Overseas Pakistanis will be able to file applications regarding immovable property in special courts. The judge of the court will have the powers of a district court judge.

Under the new law, applications can also be filed electronically. If the respondent fails to appear in court for the second time, the court will proceed in the absence of the respondent.

The Special Court for Overseas Pakistanis will not give more than two opportunities to the parties to give evidence. Overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to participate in the meeting through a video link.

Under the new law, the court will deal with the application within 90 days. The victim will be able to appeal to the High Court within 15 days, which will be dealt with within 90 days.

The court shall restrain the respondent from transferring the property and will transfer it to the aggrieved party. It will be prohibited to transfer the property until the decision on the petition.