THE PUNJAB LAND DISPOSITIONS (SAVING OF 
SHAMILAT) ORDINANCE, 1959 
(I of 1959) 
CONTENTS 
1. Short title and extent. 
2. Definition. 
3. Shamilat not included in dispo sition of land unless specifically 
mentioned as subject matter of the disposition. 
4. Repeal. 
 
TEXT 
1
THE 
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[PUNJAB] LAND DISPOSITIONS (SAVING OF SHAMILAT) 
ORDINANCE, 1959 
(I of 1959) 
[27 January 1959] 
An 
Ordinance 
to provide for a uniform interpretation of general expressions with regard to 
disposition of “Shamilat” lands in the Province of 
3
[the Punjab]. 
Preamble.– WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for a uniform interpretation of 
general expressions with regard to dispositio n of “Shamilat” lands in the Province of 
4
[the Punjab]; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of the Presidential Proclamation of the 7th 
day of October, 1958, and in exercise of all powers enabling him in that behalf the 
Governor of West Pakistan is pleased to ma ke and promulgate the following 
Ordinance:– 
1. Short title and extent.– (1) This Ordinance may be called the 
5
[Punjab] Land 
Dispositions (Saving of Shamilat) Ordinance, 1959. 
 
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[(2) It extends to the whole of the Province of 
7
[the Punjab] , except the 
Tribal Areas.] 
2. Definition.– In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the 
subject or context, the expression “Shamilat” means land described as such in the 
Record of Rights, and the land so described, shall be deemed to be Shamilat, 
notwithstanding that the whole or a part of it is in the possession of one or more of 
the proprietors in the estate, or of any other person. 
3. Shamilat not included in disposition of land unless specifically 
mentioned as subject matter of the disposition .– (1) Notw ithstanding any law, 
usage or custom to the contrary, in any disposition of land, whether testamentary or 
                                                           
1This Ordinance was promulgated by the Governor of West Pakistan on January  23, 1959, published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated January  27, 1959, p p. 55-56, saved and given permanent effect by Article 225 of the 
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1962). 
2Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by  the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (1 of 1974)  (w.e.f. 14.8.1973) , 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2 (1) read with  
Schedule, Part III, Serial No. 19. 
3Ibid. 
4Ibid. 
5Ibid. 
6Substituted by the West Pakistan Laws (Extension to Karachi) Ordinance, 1964 (VII of 1964), published in the Gazette of West 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated May 25, 1964, pp. 1679-1688, s. 2 read with Schedule, Serial No. 18. 
7Substituted for the words “West Pakistan” by  the Punjab Laws (Adaptation) Order, 1974 (1 of 1974)  (w.e.f. 14.8.1973) , 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated November 20, 1974, pp. 1425-A-1425-PP, Article 2 (1) read with  
Schedule, Part III, Serial No. 19. 
otherwise, effected by the maker by means of a writing or orally and whether made 
before or after the commencement of this Ordinance, words or phrases  of a general 
nature, purporting to convey rights or interests, incidental, contingent, or collateral, to 
that land, shall not be so construed as to include therein the Shamilat or any portion 
thereof appurtenant to such land, unless such Shamilat or a portion thereof has been 
specifically mentioned as the subject matter of the disposition. 
 (2) This section shall not affect any decision of a competent court or 
authority given before the commencement of this Ordinance:– 
(a) if it is not open to review, appeal or revision or 
(b) if it is so open, no such proceedings have been taken, and the decision 
has consequently become conclusive between the parties. 
4. Repeal.– The Punjab Land Dispositions (Saving of Shamilat) Act, 1951
1
 is 
hereby repealed. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
1Pb. Act IV of 1951.