Illegal Occupation (Qabza) of Overseas Pakistanis' Property
Recover a house or plot in Karachi taken by tenants, caretakers, relatives or land grabbers — from abroad.
Reviewed by Zain ul Abdin Kharal, Advocate High Court · Last reviewed
Key points
- •Illegal occupation is the most common legal problem overseas Pakistanis face with property at home.
- •The Illegal Dispossession Act, 2005 lets the owner go directly to the Sessions Judge.
- •A suit under section 9 of the Specific Relief Act must be filed within six months of dispossession.
- •Written caretaker and tenancy agreements and utility bills in your name make recovery far easier.
What should I do first when I find out?
- 1
Collect proof
Title documents, lease or allotment, utility bills in your name, tenancy or caretaker agreements and recent photos.
- 2
Authorise an attorney
Give a specific power of attorney for the recovery so someone can file and appear for you.
- 3
File the complaint
We file under the Illegal Dispossession Act, 2005 before the Sessions Judge, and a civil suit for possession and injunction where it helps.
- 4
Lodge a Citizen Portal complaint
A complaint on the Pakistan Citizen Portal from abroad can push the local administration to act alongside the case.
Which legal remedies are available?
| Remedy | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Complaint under the Illegal Dispossession Act, 2005 | Land grabbers or anyone who took possession without lawful authority |
| Suit under section 9, Specific Relief Act | Dispossessed without consent within the last six months |
| Suit for declaration, possession and injunction | Title is disputed, or more than six months have passed |
| Eviction before the rent controller | A tenant who stopped paying or refuses to leave |
How can I protect an empty property while abroad?
- •Keep written, registered tenancy agreements and never let a tenant stay on informally
- •Put caretaker arrangements in writing and avoid giving anyone a general power of attorney
- •Keep utility bills and property tax in your own name and pay them regularly
- •Ask someone you trust to visit and photograph the property periodically
- •Check the land and society record for unexpected transfers every year
Property Qabza Recovery — FAQs
Common questions we are asked
No. The complaint is filed directly before the Sessions Judge.
It is usually a tenancy matter for the rent controller under the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance, 1979. We advise which route fits your facts.
Yes, through a specific power of attorney. You do not need to be in Karachi for most steps.
Related guides for overseas Pakistanis
See all Overseas Pakistanis guides.
Sources
- Pakistan Code — federal laws of Pakistan
- Pakistan Citizen Portal
- Sindh High Court — Illegal Dispossession Act applied to an overseas owner's plots
This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific matter. Procedures, fees and court positions change; confirm the current position with us before acting.
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