OPC ordered to remain within limits

LAHORE: Expressing displeasure and annoyance over working of Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission beyond its jurisdiction, the Lahore High Court on Thursday barred it from meddling in civil and criminal nature cases relating to property disputes.
Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing 11 petitions filed by individuals against the alleged illegal proceedings of the overseas commission. The CJ observed that procuring possession of any disputed property in favour of any of the litigant parties was not the mandate of the commission.
The chief justice observed that the commission could not work parallel to the judicial proceedings pending before courts. The overseas commission could not assume jurisdiction of court, the CJ said and directed the law officer to ensure the commission remain in its limits and cause no harassment to citizens.
Earlier, the petitioners’ counsel argued that the overseas commission had been violating laws by taking up complaints pertaining to property disputes which were already sub judice. The counsel pointed out that the commission with the help of police also made arrests and got evacuated properties. Opposing the petitions, Additional Advocate General Anwaar Hussain argued that the Overseas Pakistanis Commission was supposed to protect properties of citizens living outside the country. He said Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission Act, 2014 was in fact introduced to protect the rights of the citizens living abroad. Justice Shah said the court would determine the jurisdiction of the overseas commission in its detailed verdict.