LAND REFORMS REGULATION, 1972

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THE LAND REFORMS REGULATION, 1972 
(II5 of 1972) 
CONTENTS 
PART I 
PRELIMINARY 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Regulation to override other laws etc 
PART II 
CONSTITUTION AND POWERS OF LAND COMMISSIONS 
4. Constitution of Land Commissions and their powers 
4-A. Constitution of Federal Land Commission etc 
5. Delegation of powers 
6. Power to make rules 
PART III 
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF LAND 
7. Certain transfers void 
8. Limits on individual holdings 
9. Share in Shamilat 
10. Acquisition of land by Government servants 
11. Choice and exchange of areas 
PART IV 
OBTAINING OF DECLARATIONS AND VESTING 
OF EXCESS LAND IN GOVERNMENT 
12. Declarations 
13. Vesting in Government of excess land 
14. Resumption in case of exchange of land allotted in the border areas 
15. Stud and live-stock farms 
16. Shikargahs 
17. Religious, charitable and educational societies, institutions and trusts 
PART V 
UTILIZATION OF SURRENDERED AND RESUMED LAND 
18. Grant of land to tenants 
19. Utilization of land under orchards, studs or live-stock farms 
20. Utilization of land under resumed shikargahs 
21. Utilization of land resumed from religious, charitable and educational 
societies 
PART VI 
IMPARTIBILITY AND RESTRICTIONS ON 
ALIENATION OF HOLDINGS 
22. Restrictions on partition of joint holdings 
23. Management of impartible joint holdings 
24. Restrictions on alienation of holdings 
PART VII 
TENANTS 
25. Rights of tenants 
PART VIII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
26. Bar of jurisdiction 
27. Indemnity 
28. Grantees of land under the repealed Regulation not to pay installments 
PART IX 
REVISION, PUNISHMENT AND PROCEDURE 
29. Revisional powers of the Federal Government 
30. Offences and penalties 
31. Cognizance of offences 
32. Repeal and saving
 
TEXT 
1
THE LAND REFORMS REGULATION, 1972 
(115 of 1972) 
[11th March, 1972] 
PART I 
PRELIMINARY 
 WHEREAS Islam enjoins equitable distribution of wealth and economic 
powers and abhors their concentration in a few hands; 
 AND WHEREAS  it is in the supreme national interest to improve the 
economic well-being of the peasantry, by making agriculture a profitable vocation; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, the Chief Martial Law Administrator is pleased to make 
the following Regulation:– 
1. Short title, extent and commencement. – (1) This Regulation may be called 
the Land Reforms Regulation, 1972. 
 (2) It extends to the Prov inces of Baluchistan, the North -West Frontier, 
Punjab, Sind and the Islamabad Capital Territory, but shall not apply to the Centrally 
Administered Tribal Areas. 
 (3) It shall come into force at once. 
 
2
[(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub -paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
provisions of this Regulation shall not be applicable, until the 31 st day of October, 
1972, within the District of Chitral in the North-West Frontier Province.] 
2. Definitions.– In this Regulation, unless there is anything repugnant in  the 
subject or context,– 
(1) “Commission” means a Land Commission constituted under paragraph 
4; 
 (2) “economic holding” means,– 
 (a) except for the purposes of paragraphs 22 and 24,– 
(i) in the Provinces of Sind and Baluchistan , an area, 
whether or not w ithin one estate or mauza or deh, sixty-
four acres of land, 
(ii) elsewhere, an area, whether or not within one estate or 
mauza or deh, two squares or two rectangles or fifty 
acres, whichever is more; and 
                                                           
1This Regulation was promulgated by the Chief Martial Law Administrator Pakistan on 11 th March, 1972, and was published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary) dated 11th March 1972, Pages 291-300. By Article 280 of the Interim Constitution of the 
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1972, this Regulation was saved and continued as existing law and having been specified in th e 
Seventh Schedule shall be deemed to have become an Act of the appropriate Legislature. 
2Add by Martial Law Regulation No. 126.   
(b) for the purposes of paragraphs 22 and 24, an are a specified in 
sub-clause (a) comprised within one estate or mauza or deh; 
(3) “Government” means in relation to the Islamabad Capital Territory, the 
Central Government, and in relation to a Province, the Government of 
that Province; 
(4) “land” means land which is not occupied as the site of a town, village, 
factory or industrial establishment, and is occupied or has been or can 
be let for agricultural purposes or for purposes allied or subservient to 
agriculture, and includes the sites of buildings and oth er structures on 
such land; 
(5) “orchard” means land under fruit trees planted to a density of twenty -
five trees or more per acre grown and maintained by human effort; 
(6) “owner” includes a person deemed to be an owner under sub -section 
(4) of section 184 of the West Pakistan Land Revenue Act, 1967 (W.P. 
Act XVII of 1967); 
3
[(7) “person” includes a religious, educational or charitable institution, every 
trust, whether public or private, a Hindu undivided family, a company or 
association or body of individu als, and a co –operative or other society, 
but does not include a local authority, a university established by law, a 
body incorporated by a Central or Provincial law, 
4
[a co -operative 
farming society registered under the Co -operative Farming Ordinance, 
1976 (XXII of 1976), or a live -stock farm or an educational institution 
exempted by the Government] from the operation of this Regulation;] 
(8) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Regulation; 
(9) “President” means the President of Pakistan; 
(10) “produce index unit” means the measure in terms of which the 
comparative productivity of an area of land of a particular kind in a 
particular assessment circle or area is computed and expressed for the 
purposes of the schemes relating to the resettle ment of displaced 
persons on land, or was determined under the provisions of sub -
paragraph (10) of paragraph 2 of the repealed Regulation; and, in 
respect of an assessment circle or area where no such unit was 
determined, such measure as may be determined by the Commission 
for the Province within which such assessment circle or area is 
situated; 
(11) “repealed Regulation” means the West Pakistan Land Reforms 
Regulation (Regulation 64 of 1959); 
5
[* * *] 
                                                           
3By Order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Qazalbash Waqf case reported in PLD 1990 SC 
99, the provisions of clause (7) of paragraph 2 of the Regulation in so far as they include Islamic Waqf were held repugnant to 
the Injunctions of Islam and they ceased to have effect prospectively w.e.f. 23rd March, 1990.  
4Substituted for the words “or an ed ucational institution exempted by Government” by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 
1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415 -419, 
s.2. 
5The word “and” deleted by the Land Reforms  Regulation (Punjab Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (V of 1982); and published in 
the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s.2. 
(12) “subsistence holding” means an area of thirty -two acres of land in the 
Province of Baluchistan, sixteen acres of land in the Province of Sind , 
and half a square or half a rectangle or twelve and half acres of land, 
whichever is more,  elsewhere: 
 Provided that for the purposes of paragraphs 22 and 24, a “ subsistence 
holding” shall mean such holding comprising an area or areas within one estate or 
mauza or deh 
6
[; and] 
7
[(13) “tenant‟ means a person who holds land under another person, and is, 
or but for a special contact, would be, liable to pay rent for t hat land to 
that other person and includes the predecessors and successors -in-
interest of such person, but does not include– 
(a) a mortgagee of the rights of a land-owner; or 
(b) a person holding any land under the Federal Government or a 
Provincial Government, or  under any statutory authority or 
corporation set up by any such Government as may be notified 
by it in this behalf; or 
(c) a person to whom a holding has been transferred, or an estate 
or holding has been let in farm, for the recovery of an arrear of 
land revenue or of a sum recoverable as such an arrear; or 
(d) a lessee, whether cultivating the land himself or through another 
person.] 
3. Regulation to override other laws , etc.– The provisions of this Regulation, 
and any rule or order made thereunder, shall have e ffect notwithstanding anything to 
the contrary in any other law, or in any order or decree of a Court or Tribunal or other 
authority, or in any rule of custom or usage, or in any contract, instrument, deed or 
other document. 
PART II  
CONSTITUTION AND POWERS OF LAND COMMISSIONS 
4. Constitution of Land Commissions and their powers.– (1) For carrying out 
the purposes of this Regulation, there shall be constituted for each Province a 
Commission to be known as the Land Commission of the Province concerned, 
consisting of the 
8
[Chief Minister] of that Province, who shall be its chairman, and not 
more than three members, to be appointed by the 
9
[Chief Minister.] 
 (2) The Commission for the Province of the Punjab shall also be the 
Commission for the Islamabad Capital Territory. 
 (3) A Commission of a Province shall have all the powers necessary for 
the implementation of this Regulation within the Province. 
                                                           
6Substituted ibid for the full-stop. 
7Added ibid. 
8Substituted for the word “Governor” by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974); and published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.3. 
9Substituted ibid. 
 (4) A Commission may nominate one of its members to be the Chief Land 
Commissioner, who shall, subject to such d irections as may from time to time be 
given by the Commission, be responsible for the implementation of this Regulation. 
 (5) Each Commission may set up organizations and appoint officers, 
authorities and persons, and confer powers on, and assign duties to, them. 
 (6) Where any dispute arises in carrying into effect the provisions of this 
Regulation, it shall be referred to the Commission for the Province within which such 
dispute arises, and the decision of the Commission thereon shall be final. 
 (7) Where any dispute or difference arises between two or more 
Commissions with respect to any provision of, or any matter connected with, this 
Regulation, it shall be referred to the 
10
[Federal Government] , whose decision 
thereon shall be final. 
 (8) Where any matter is not provided for in this Regulation or any difficulty 
arises in giving effect to the purposes of this Regulation, a Commission may, with the 
approval or on the direction of, the 
11
[Federal Government], make such provisions in 
respect thereof as it thi nks fit, or as may be directed by the 
12
[Federal Government], 
and such order shall be deemed to form a part of this Regulation and have effect 
accordingly. 
13
[4A. Constitution of Federal Land Commission, etc. – (1) For the purposes of 
this Regulation, there shall be constituted a Commission to be known as the Federal 
Land Commission, consisting of a Federal Minister nominated by the Federal 
Government, who shall be its Chairman, and not more than three members to be 
appointed by the Federal Government. 
 (2) The Federal Land Commission shall exercise and perform all such 
powers and functions as may be necessary for the implementation of this Regulation 
throughout the area to which it extends and shall, in particular,– 
(i) assist the Federal Government in decidin g any dispute or difference 
referred to in sub -paragraph (7) of paragraph 4 and in giving any 
approval or direction under sub-paragraph (8) of that paragraph; 
(ii) assist the Federal Government in the exercise of its revisional powers 
under paragraph 29; 
(iii) co-ordinate the work of the different Commissions to ensure that a 
uniform policy is followed in all the Provinces in implementing the 
provisions of this Regulation; and 
                                                           
10Substituted for the word “President” by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973 (Federal Act LXII of 1973); and published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.2 (w.e.f. 11.3.1972). 
11Substituted Ibid. 
12Substituted ibid. 
13Added ibid., s.3.Section 11 of the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973 (Federal Act LXII of 1973)  ; and p ublished in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.2 (w.e.f. 11.3.1972), provides as under: 
“11. Validation.- The Federal Land Commission in existence at the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to have been 
constituted under the Land Reforms Regulation, 1972 and every thing done, action taken or order passed by the Federal Land 
Commission shall be deemed to have been validly done, taken or passed, as if this Act were in force on the day on which the 
Federal Land Commission was constituted or such thing, action or order was done, taken or passed.” 
(iv) lay down general guidelines to be observed by the Commissions in 
carrying out their duties and functions under this Regulation and issue 
from time to time such instructions as may be considered necessary. 
 (3) The Federal Land Commission may make rules to regulate its 
procedure and appoint its own officers and servants and confer powers upon, and 
assign duties to, them. 
 (4) The Federal Land Commission may direct that the powers exercisable 
by it under this paragraph may, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be 
specified by it, be exercised also by any of its members or offic ers empowered by it 
in this behalf.] 
5. Delegation of powers. – A Commission may, by notification in the official 
Gazette, direct that the powers exercisable by it under this Regulation may, subject 
to such conditions, including provisions as to appeal, rev ision or review, if any, as 
may be specified in the notification, be exercised also by any of its members or 
officers or authorities subordinate to it: 
 Provided that a Commission shall not delegate its powers under sub –
paragraph (2) of paragraph 7 to an o fficer below the rank of a Commissioner of a 
Division. 
6. Power to make rules. – A Commission may make rules for carrying out the 
purposes of this Regulation, including rules on matters relating to or connected with 
the presentation, hearing and determination of appeals from, and applications for the 
revision and review of, orders made under this Regulation. 
PART III 
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF LAND 
14
7. Certain transfers void.– (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Regulation– 
(a) the transfer of any land, and the creation of any right or interest in or 
encumbrance on any land, made in any manner whatsoever in respect 
of any area, on or after the twentieth day of December , 1971, by any 
person holding immediately before that date an area of mo re than one 
hundred and fifty acres of irrigated land or three hundred acres of 
unirrigated land or an area equivalent to fifteen thousand units 
(calculated on the basis of classification of soil as entered in the 
Revenue Records for Kharif 1969 and Rabi 1 969-1970), whichever 
shall be greater, shall be and shall be deemed always to have been 
void, and the land so transferred or encumbered shall be deemed to 
have been owned or possessed, as the case may be, by the person by 
whom it was owned or possessed immediately before that date: 
                                                           
14By order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Qazalbash Waqf case reported in PLD 1990 SC 
99, the whole of paragraphs 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14 of the Regulation and consequentially paragraph 18 of the Regulation were 
held repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam and they ceased to have effect prospectively w.e.f. 23 rd March, 1990. The 
interpretation of the relevant provisions of Chapter 3A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 is contained 
in the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan reported in PLD 1988 SC 287. The effect of self -executory provisions of the 
Land Reforms law is explained in the judgments of the Supreme Court of Pakistan reported in PLD 1989 SC 550 and PLD 1998 
SC 132. 
Provided that in the case of a person to whom the provisions of sub -
paragraph (2) of paragraph 8 apply, no such transfer or creation of any right or 
interest or encumbrance shall be void unless he was holding on the said date an 
area more than 
15
[fourteen thousand produce index units]; 
(b) save in cases where the Commission is satisfied that it was a bona fide 
transaction, the transfer of any land and the creation of any right or 
interest in or encumbrance on any land, made in any manner 
whatsoever, by any person holding 
16
[at any time during the period from 
the first day of March, 1967, to the nineteenth day of December, 1971 
(both days inclusive] an area equivalent to more than 
17
[twelve 
thousand produce index units] (calculated on the basis of classification 
of soil as entered in the Revenue Records for Kharif 1966 and Rabi 
1966–67), shall be and   shall be deemed always to have been void, 
and the land so transferred or the land on which the right, interest or 
encumbrance was so crea ted shall be, and shall be deemed always to 
have been, owned or possessed, as the case may be, by the person by 
whom it was owned or possessed immediately before that date: 
18
[Provided that any transfer of land or creation of any right or interest in or 
encumbrance on any land by way of gift by a person to whom this clause applies 
shall, subject to the next succeeding proviso, in no case be held by the Commission 
to be a bona fide transaction: 
 Provided further that nothing in this clause shall apply to– 
(i) any transfer of land or creation of any right or interest in or 
encumbrance on any land, by way of gift or otherwise, made by a 
person in favour of his heirs; or 
(ii) any transfer of land or right or interest therein by way of gift, made by a 
person in fa vour of his widowed or unmarried sister, who has not 
received her due share of inheritance of ancestral land; or  
(iii) any transaction whereby any land was alienated in exchange for an 
area of land equivalent to the same or substantially same produce 
index units as the land alienated;] 
Explanation I.– For the purposes of this sub -paragraph and paragraph 10, an heir 
shall mean the owner‟s wife or wives, sons, daughters, father, mother and sons and 
daughters of a deceased son or daughter. 
19
[Explanation II.– * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
                                                           
15Substituted for the words “eighteen thousand produce index units” by the Land Reforms (Limits on Individual Holdings) Order, 
1972; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
16Substituted for the words, comma and figure “on first March, 1967” by Martial Law Regulation No. 121 
17Substituted for the words “fifteen thousand produce index units” by the Land Reforms (Limits on Individual Holdings) Order, 
1972; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
18Substituted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.2. 
19Deleted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.2. 
Explanation III. – In determining whether a transaction referred to in clause (b) of 
paragraph (1) was bona fide or otherwise, the Commission shall, among other 
matters, take into consideration the following factors:– 
(i) whether adequate consideration has been paid by or on behalf of the 
person in whose favour the transfer has been made or any right, 
interest or encumbrance has been created; 
(ii) under whose management the land has remained which is claimed to 
have been transferred o r in respect of which any right, interest or 
encumbrance has been created; 
(iii) who has been paying the land revenue and other charges in respect of 
such land; 
(iv) who has been receiving the rent for or batai share from such land. 
 (2) If any question ar ises whether any transfer or other transaction is or is 
not void under sub -paragraph (1), the decision of the Commission thereon shall, 
subject to the provisions of paragraph 29, be final. 
 (3) Nothing in sub -paragraph (1) shall apply to any transfer of la nd or the 
creation of any interest or right or encumbrance on any land made by a person who 
held on twentieth December 1971, land in excess of the permissible limits under 
paragraph 8, after he has surrendered to Government, in accordance with the 
provisions of this Regulation, the land in excess of such limits 
20
8. Limits on individual holdings. – (1) Save as otherwise provided in this 
Regulation, no person shall, at any time, own or in any capacity possess land in 
excess of one hundred and fifty acres of ir rigated land or three hundred acres of 
unirrigated land, or irrigated and unirrigated land the aggregate area of which 
exceeds one hundred and fifty acres of irrigated land (one acre of irrigated land 
being reckoned as equivalent to two acres of unirrigate d land), or an area equivalent 
to 
21
[twelve thousand produce index units] of land, whichever shall be greater. 
 (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub -paragraph (1), an owner may 
retain, out of the area of land he was holding immediately before the commencement 
of this Regulation, such additional area, if any, which would bring the total area 
retained by him to the equivalent of 
22
[fourteen thousand produce index units], if on 
the twentieth of December 1971,– 
(i) he owned an agricultural tractor, certified  to be in good working order 
by an officer authorized by the Commission in this behalf; or 
(ii) there was installed on his land a tube -well, of not less than ten horse -
power. 
 
23
[(3) Any person, who at any time before the commencement of this 
Regulation but not earlier than the twenty -five day of December, 1971, became the 
                                                           
20Footnote 14 explains the position. 
21Substituted for the words “fifteen thousand produce index units ” by the Land Reforms (Limits on I ndividual Holdings) Order, 
1972; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
22Substituted for the words “eighteen thousand produce index units” by the Land Reforms (Limits on Individual Holdings) Order, 
1972; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
23Added by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.3. 
owner of an agricultural tractor certified as provided in clause (i) of sub-paragraph (2) 
or had installed on his land a tubewell of not less than ten horse -power, or at any 
time after the  commencement of this Regulation becomes the owner of such a 
tractor or installs on his land such a tubewell, shall, notwithstanding, the provisions of 
sub-paragraph (1), be entitled, after becoming the owner of such tractor or having 
installed such a tube well, to acquire, possess or own such additional area as would 
bring the total area possessed or owned by him to the equivalent of fourteen 
thousand produce index units: 
 Provided that a person who on the twentieth day of December, 1971 , was in 
possession of an area of land equivalent to more than twelve thousand produce 
index units shall not be entitled to possess any additional area of land under this 
sub-paragraph until he has surrendered to Government land in excess of area 
equivalent to twelve thousand produce index units. 
24
9. Share in Shamilat. – (1) A person owning or possessing a share in shamilat 
shall not be entitled to own or possess any such share if, after surrender of any land 
under this Regulation, he owns or possesses outside that shamilat, th e maximum 
permissible area of land under paragraph 8. 
 (2) In case the area owned or possessed by such person, outside the 
shamilat, after surrender of any land under this Regulation, is less than the maximum 
area of land that can be owned or possessed und er paragraph 8, he shall be entitled 
to so much share in the shamilat as, together with the other area owned or 
possessed by him, does not exceed such maximum area.] 
25
10. Acquisition of land by Government servants.– (1) No person who is or has 
been in the 
26
[civil service] of Pakistan and has at any time between the first January, 
1959, and two years of his ceasing to be in 
27
[civil service], acquired any land or any 
right or interest therein, by any means whatever, either in his own name or in the 
name of an y of his heirs or any other person, shall own or possess any land 
exceeding one hundred acres: 
 Provided that subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, any such 
person may, in addition to one hundred acres of land, own or possess any land 
which has devolved on him by inheritance or any other land, not exceeding the area 
of the land so inherited, which has been acquired by him, in lieu of the land so 
inherited, whether by exchange or sale, either in his own name or in the name of any 
other person. 
28
[Explanation.– For the purposes of this sub -paragraph and clause (d) of sub -
paragraph (1) of paragraph 12, “civil service of Pakistan” means any civil service, 
post or office in connection with the affairs of the Federation or Province, and 
includes a ser vice as a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, Comptroller 
and Auditor-General, Chief Election Commissioner and Chairman or Member of the   
                                                           
24Footnote 14 explains the position. 
25Footnote 14 explains the position. 
26Substituted for the word “Service” by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.4. 
27Substituted ibid.  
28Added ibid. 
Federal or a Provincial Public Service Commission, but does not include service as 
President, Governor, Minister, Minister of State, or as a Speaker, Deputy Speaker or 
other Member of the National or a Provincial Assembly.] 
 (2) Where any person 
29
[to whom the provisions of sub -paragraph (1) 
apply] has, within the period specified therein, transferred in favour of any of his heirs 
or has acquired in the name of any of them any land, and such land continues to be 
owned or possessed by his heirs, he shall for the purposes of that sub -paragraph be 
deemed to be the owner of such land. 
 (3) Nothing in this paragraph shal l apply to a person who is serving or has 
retired as a member of 
30
[the Military, Naval, or Air Forces] of Pakistan. 
11. Choice and exchange of areas.– (1)  If a person owns or possesses an area 
of land exceeding the area permitted under this Part, he shall  select out of his 
holding the area which he is entitled to retain, and, in doing so, shall, as far as 
possible, select compact blocks of not less than the size of an economic holding. 
 (2) If a person owns or possesses an area of land exceeding the area 
permitted under this Part, he may be allowed to interchange the whole or any part of 
such area with an area owned or possessed by any member of his family, for the 
purposes of consolidation on the basis of equality of the produce index value of the 
area proposed to be interchanged. 
31
[Explanation.– For the purpose of this sub -paragraph „family‟ shall mean husband, 
wife, parents, children, brothers and sisters.] 
PART IV 
OBTAINING OF DECLARATIONS AND VESTING OF EXCESS LAND IN 
GOVERNMENT 
12. Declarations.– (1) A  Commission may, by order published in the official 
Gazette, direct the following classes of persons to submit to such authority, in such 
manner and form and by such date, as may be specified in the order, the following 
declarations:– 
(a) declarations by persons who on first March, 1967, owned or possessed 
land in excess of an area equivalent to 
32
[twelve thousand produce 
index units] calculated on the basis of classification of soil as entered in 
the revenue records for Kharif 1966 and Rabi 1966-67; 
(b) declarations by persons who on twentieth December, 1971, owned or 
possessed an area in excess of 
33
[twelve thousand produce index units] 
calculated on the basis of classification of soil as entered in the 
                                                           
29Substituted ibid for the words “as is referred to in sub-paragraph (1)”. 
30Substituted for the words “any of the Defence Services” by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); 
and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.4. 
31Substituted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973 (Federal Act LXII of 1973); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.4. 
32Substituted for the words “fifteen thousand produce index units” by the Land Reforms (Limits on Individual Holdings) Order, 
1972 ; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
33Substituted ibid. 
revenue records for Kharif 1969 and Rabi 1969 -70, or ir rigated land in 
excess of one hundred and fifty acres, whichever shall be greater; 
34
[(bb) declarations by persons who at any time during the period intervening 
between first March, 1967, and twentieth December, 1971, owned or 
possessed an area of land in e xcess of 
35
[twelve thousand produce 
index units] calculated on the basis of soil classification as entered in 
the revenue records for Kharif 1966 and Rabi 1966 -67, but did not own 
or possess an area of land in excess of such limits on first March, 
1967, or twentieth December, 1971;] 
(c) declarations by persons who have been granted land under the West 
Pakistan Border Area Regulation, 1959 (Regulation 9 of Zone B) and 
have exchanged the whole or any part of such land with any other land; 
(d) declarations by p ersons in the 
36
[civil service] of Pakistan and other 
persons to whom the provisions of paragraph 10 apply, who own or 
possess land in excess of the permissible limits laid down in the said 
para-graph; 
(e) declarations by persons who were allowed to retain or were granted 
lease of any stud or live-stock farms under the repealed Regulation; 
37
[(ee) declarations by persons who, at any time after the commencement of 
this Regulation, have come, or come, to own or possess land in excess 
of the area permissible for retention under Part III;] 
(f) such other declarations as may be required by the Commission. 
 (2) Where a person who is required to make a declaration under this 
paragraph owns or possesses land in more than one Province, he shall make the 
declaration to the Commission for the Province where he permanently resides, and 
the said Commission shall have the authority to call for any information concerning 
the said declaration from any other Province where the declarant owns or possesses 
land, and to pass orders thereon. 
38
13. Vesting in Government of excess land. – (1) Land in excess of the area 
permissible for retention under Part III shall vest absolutely in Government free from 
any encumbrance or charge and without payment of any compensation. 
 (2) Any encumbrance or charge existing on land surrendered by a person, 
which vests in Government under sub -paragraph (1), shall be deemed to have been 
transferred to the land retained by such person under Part III. 
 
39
[(3) Where any person is in possession of, or is hold ing, land in excess of 
the area permissible for retention under Part III, so much of such excess land as is in 
                                                           
34Inserted by Martial Law Regulation No. 121. 
35Substituted for the words “fifteen thousand produce index units” by the Land Reforms (Limits on I ndividual Holdings) Order, 
1972; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1972, s.3 
36Substituted for the word “Service” by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.5. 
37Inserted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act,  1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974);  and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.3. 
38Footnote 14 explains the position. 
his possession as a lessee or mortgagee or is held by him as the landlord of an 
occupancy tenant or a Muqarraridar or as an Ala Malik shall not v est in Government 
but shall, subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, revert to the lessor, 
mortgagor, occupancy tenant, Muqarraridar or Adna Malik, as the case may be, and 
shall be deemed to have so reverted at the commencement of this Regulation.] 
40
14. Resumption in case of exchange of land allotted in the border areas. – 
Where any person to whom any land has been granted under the West Pakistan 
Border Area Regulation, 1959 (Regulation 9 of Zone B), has exchanged the said 
land with any other land outside the “border area”, as defined in the said Regulation, 
the land so obtained in exchange by such person shall vest absolutely in 
Government free from any encumbrance or charge, and witho ut payment of any 
compensation. 
41
15. Stud and live -stock farms .– (1) All areas under stud or live -stock farms, 
whether state land or otherwise, allowed to be retained under the provisions of 
paragraph 9 of the repealed Regulation shall 
42
[, whether or not the areas are held by 
the persons who held them at the commence ment of that Regulation or by those to 
whom leases were granted thereunder or any other law] be resumed and vest in 
Government free from any encumbrance or charge whatsoever: 
 Provided that where any compensation in respect of any such farm has 
already been calculated and sanctioned under the provisions of paragraph 17 of the 
repealed Regulation, the said compensation shall be payable to the owners of the 
said farms. 
43
16. Shikargahs.– All areas under shikargahs in the possession or under the 
management of any person shall be resumed and vest in Government free from any 
encumbrance or charge whatsoever, and without payment of any compensation. 
44
17. Religious, charitable and educational societies, institutions and trusts. – 
The provisions of paragraph 8 shall apply to every religious, charitable or educational 
society or institution and to every trust or wakf, whether public or private: 
 Provided that nothing in this Part shall apply to–  
(i) universities established by law;  
                                                                                                                                                                                     
39Substituted by the land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 19 76 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415 -419, s.3. Earlier added by the Land Reforms (Punjab Amendment) Act, 
1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.5. 
40Footnote 14 explains the position. 
41By Order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Qazalbash Waqf case reported in PLD 1990 SC 
99, it was held that paragraphs 15, 16, 19 and 20 of the Regulation in so far as they ignore the rights and obligations, the terms 
and conditions of the grant license or lease, as the case may be, in resuming the stud and live -stock farms, shikargahs and 
orchards and dealing further with them under paragraphs 19 and 20 thereof were repugnant to the Injunction of Islam. 
42Inserted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act,  1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974) ; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.3. 
43Footnote 42 explains the position. 
44By order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Qazalbash Waqf case reported in PLD 1990 SC 
99, it was held that paragraph 17 of the Regulation in so far as it relates to Wakf and all other institutions which can vali dly fall 
within the definition of Islamic Wakf and consequential to that extent paragraph 21 also were repugnant to the Injunctions of 
Islam.  
(ii) educational institutions , exempted by Go vernment from th e operation 
of this Regulation. 
PART V 
UTILIZATION OF SURRENDERED AND RESUMED LAND 
18. Grant of land to tenants. – (1) Land which vests in Government under the 
provisions of paragraph 13 or paragraph 14 shall, subject to the other provisions  of 
this paragraph, be granted free of charge to the tenants who are shown in the 
Revenue R ecords to be in cultivating possession of it in 
45
[Kharif 1971 and Rabi 
1971-72] 
46
[or, in the case of land vesting in Government on the basis of a declaration 
made pu rsuant to clause (ee) of sub -paragraph (1) of paragraph 12, to the tenant 
who is shown in the Revenue Records to be in cultivating possession of it in the year 
immediately preceding such declaration] 
47
[:] 
 
48
[Provided that no land shall be granted to tenant s who, but for the making of 
this Regulation, would have been entitled to inherit land from any of the persons from 
whom land has been resumed under this Regulation.] 
 (2) Where a tenant who is entitled to the grant of land under sub -
paragraph (1) already owns any land, he shall be granted only so much land under 
the said sub-paragraph which together with the land already owned by him equals an 
area of a subsistence holding. 
 (3) Where any land is not shown in the Revenue Records to be in 
cultivating possession of any tenant, during 
49
[Kharif 1971 and Rabi 1971 -72], it shall 
be granted to such tenant or other persons, owning less than a subsistence holding, 
and on such terms and conditions, as the Government may determine 
50
[:]    
 
51
[Provided that Government may utilize any such land for such public purpose 
as it may deem fit.] 
 (4) Nothing in this paragraph shall apply to orchards 
52
[or to any state land, 
granted on instalments where any instalment in respect of such land remains 
unpaid.] 
53
19. Utilization of land under orchards, studs or live-stock farms.– Land under 
orchards, studs or live-stock farms which is resumed and vests in Government under 
                                                           
45Substituted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.7. 
46Added by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.4. 
47Substituted ibid., for the full-stop. 
48Added ibid. 
49Substituted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.7. 
50Substituted for the full-stop, by  the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974); and published in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.4. 
51Added ibid. 
52Inserted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.7. 
53Footnote 42 explains the position. 
the provisions of paragraph 15 may be utilized by Government in such manner as it 
deems fit: 
 Provided that if in t he public interest Government decides to lease out any 
such land, the person from whom it was resumed shall have the right of first option to 
the grant of lease 
54
[of the land resumed from him or of such portion thereof as the 
Government may determine:] 
 
55
[Provided further that if, in the opinion of Government, the performance of 
such person before the resumption of such land was not satisfactory, the 
Government may not grant lease of such land or any portion thereof to such person 
and may lease it out to an y other person; and the decision of the Government in this 
behalf shall be final.] 
56
20. Utilization of land under resumed shikargahs. – Land under shikargahs 
resumed under paragraph 16 shall be utilized in such manner a s the Government 
may determine. 
57
21. Utilization of land resumed from religious, charitable and educational 
societies.– Land resumed under the provisions of paragraph 17 shall be utilized in 
such manner as may be prescribed: 
 Provided that if in the public interest Government decides to lease out any 
such land, the person from whom it is resumed shall have the right of first option to 
the grant of the lease 
58
[of the land resumed from him or of such portion thereof as 
the Government may determine.] 
PART VI 
IMPARTIBILITY AND RESTRICTIONS ON ALIENATION OF HOLDINGS 
59
22. Restrictions on partition of joint holdings. – (1) 
60
[A joint holding with an 
area equal to or less than that of a subsistence holding shall not be partitioned 
except where the joint-holders own, individually or jointly, other land in the same deh 
or village,   and the partition has the effect of every such holder owning, whether 
                                                           
54Added by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973 (Federal Act LXII of 1973) ; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.5. Earlier the words and commas “of the whole of such part of, or area from, 
such land, as Government may deem fit:” were added in this proviso by the Land Reforms (Punjab Am endment) Act, 1973 (XI 
of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.8. 
55Added by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Order, 1984 (P.O.6 of 1984), Article 3 of which provides as under: 
“3. Bar of jurisdiction. – A decision of the Government under second proviso to paragraph 19 of the Land Reforms 
Regulation, 1972, as amended by this Order, shall not be called in question before any court, including the Supreme Court and 
a High Court, on any ground whatsoever.” 
56Footnote 42 explains the position. 
57Footnote 45 explains the position. 
58Added by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act 1973 (Federal Act LXII  of 1973); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.6. Earlier the words and commas “of the whole or such part of, or area from, 
such land, as Government may deem fit.” were added in this proviso by the Lan d Reforms (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1973 (XI 
of 1973; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.9. 
59By Order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Haji Muhammad Anwar‟s case repo rted in 1994 
SCMR 899, the provision of paragraphs 22, 23 and 24 of the Regulation were held repugnant to the Injunction of Islam and 
they ceased to have effect on 28th February, 1994. 
60Substituted by the Land Reforms (Punjab A mendment) Act 1973 (XI of 197 3); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.10. 
individually or jointly, a holding with an area not less than that   of a subsistence 
holding.] 
 (2) A joint holding larger than a subsistence holding but smalle r than an 
economic holding shall not be partitioned, if partition has the effect of dividing the 
holding into such parts that any one part added to the area already owned or 
possessed by the individual co –sharer to whom that part would go becomes less 
than the area of a subsistence holding. 
 
61
[(3) A joint holding with an area equal to that of an economic holding shall 
not be partitioned, except where the joint -holders own other land in the same deh or 
village, and the partition has the effect of such holder  owning, whether individually or 
jointly, a holding with an area not less than that of an economic holding.] 
 (4) A joint holding with an area greater than that of an economic holding 
shall not be partitioned in such a way as to leave no individual holding taken together 
with the area which the owner may already possess equal to an economic holding, 
or to leave the individual holding of any one of the joint owners less than the area of 
a subsistence holding. 
 (5) Partition of land in contravention of the pr ovisions of this paragraph 
shall be void. 
 
62
[(6) Nothing in this paragraph shall apply to– 
(a) holdings which are jointly owned by evacuees and non –evacuees and 
are required to be partitioned in accordance with the procedure 
prescribed under any Rehabilitation or Settlement Scheme; 
(b) holdings which are jointly owned by owners of land and occupancy 
tenants or Muqarraridars required to be partitioned in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by or under any law for the time being in 
force; 
(c) small strip s of land bona fide required for the purpose of building 
thereon; 
(d) joint khatas when the entire area of a village or deh is redistributed 
amongst various land owners as a result of consolidation of holdings; 
or 
(e) a joint holding required to be partiti oned for the purpose of separating 
the land resumed by Government under any of the Land Reforms Laws 
from the land not so resumed.] 
63
23. Management of impartible joint holdings. – (1) A joint holding the partition 
of which is not permissible under paragraph  22 shall continue to be managed as a 
single unit. 
                                                           
61Substituted by the Land Reforms (Punjab Amendment) Act 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.10. 
62Substituted by the Land Reforms Regulation (Punjab Amendm ent) Ordinance 1982 (V of 1982); and published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s. 3 (w.e.f. 15.3.1978). Earlier substituted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Ac t 
1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415 -419, 
s.4, however, the same have ceased to be in forced by the Ordinance V of 1982. 
63Footnote 60 explains the position. 
 (2) In the event of a dispute regarding the management of any such joint 
holding as aforesaid,– 
(a) the co -sharers may select one of themselves by drawing of lots or 
otherwise, who will manage, on their b ehalf, the holding, and from 
whom they will receive their shares of the income; or 
(b) if the co-sharers cannot so select, they may request the Collector of the 
District in which such holding is situated to nominate one of the co -
sharers to manage as aforesaid. 
 (3) If in the opinion of the Commission, no arrangement for joint 
management between the co -sharers is possible, the Commission may acquire the 
holding on payment of such compensation as may be determined in the prescribed 
manner. 
Explanation.– If a  co-sharer is for the time being a minor or lunatic, his guardian 
shall be treated as a co-sharer for the purpose of this paragraph. 
64
24. Restrictions on alienation of holdings. – (1) No person owning more than 
the area of an economic holding shall be allow ed to alienate by sale, mortgage, gift 
or otherwise any portion of his holding which may reduce the size of his holding to an 
area below the limit of an economic holding: 
 Provided that such a person may alienate his entire holding. 
 (2) No person owning a n economic holding should be allowed to alienate 
by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise any portion of his holding: 
 Provided that such a person may alienate his entire holding. 
 (3) No person owning more than the area of a subsistence holding but less 
than an economic holding shall be allowed to alienate by sale, mortgage, gift or 
otherwise any portion of his holding which may reduce the size of his holding to an 
area less than the area of subsistence holding: 
 Provided that such a person may alienate his entire holding. 
 (4) No person owning an area equal to or less than a subsistence holding 
shall be allowed to alienate by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise any part of his 
holding: 
 
65
[Provided that he may alienate the entire holding or, in the case of a hold ing 
which is less than a subsistence holding, he may alienate any part of his holding by 
way of gift to any of his presumptive heirs or exchange with, or mortgage or 
otherwise alienate to, other owners or landless tenants of the same village, Deh or 
Mauza.] 
                                                           
64Footnote 60 explains the position. 
65Substituted by the Land Reforms Regulation (Punjab Amendm ent) Ordinance 1982 (V of 1982); and published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s.4  (w.e.f. 15.3.1978). Earlier substituted by the Land Reforms (Amendmen t) Act 
1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415 -419, 
s.4, however, the same have ceased to be in forced by the Ordinance V of 1982. 
 (5) Any alienation made in contravention of the provisions of this 
paragraph shall be void 
66
[to the extent by which the economic holding or, as the 
case may be, subsistence holding is reduced.] 
 
67
[(6) Nothing in this paragraph shall apply to– 
(a) land, whether cultivable or otherwise, which is bona fide required for 
the purpose of building thereon and any tenant in possession of such 
land who refuses to quit after notice, may be ev icted under the orders 
of the Deputy Commissioner; 
(b) mortgage of land, without possession, in favour of Government or an 
institution owned, managed or controlled by Government; 
(c) the holder of a pre -emption decree in respect of an area less than a 
subsistence holding; 
(d) any land, or part of any land situated within the jurisdiction of a 
Municipality, a Cantonment Board or an Improvement Trust and 
included in a House Building Scheme prepared or approved by such 
body; or 
(d) the alienation of land in th e Districts of Attock, Rawalpindi and Jhelum 
in favour of a person certified by the Deputy Commissioner concerned 
to have been displaced from Hazara District or Mardan District in 
consequence of the construction of Tarbela Dam.] 
PART VII 
TENANTS 
25. Rights of tenants.– 
68
[(1) 
69
[Subject to the other provisions of this Regulation], 
a tenant shall not be ejected from his tenancy unless it is established in a revenue 
court that he has– 
(a) failed to pay the rent in accordance with the terms of his tenancy; or 
(b) used the land comprised in the tenancy in a manner which renders it 
unfit for the purposes for which he held it; or 
(c) failed to cultivate or arrange for the cultivation of the land comprised in 
the tenancy in accordance with the terms thereof, or if th ere are no 
express terms in this behalf, in accordance with the customary manner 
of cultivation in the locality; or 
(d) sub-let his tenancy.] 
                                                           
66Added by the Land Reforms Regulation (Punjab  Amendment) Ordinance 1982 (V of 1982); and published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s.4 (w.e.f. 15.3.1978).  Earlier substituted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act 
1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of  Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415-419, 
s.4, however, the same have ceased to be in forced by the Ordinance V of 1982. 
67Substituted ibid. 
68By Order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Qazalbash Waqf case reported in PLD 1990 SC 
99, it was held that paragraph 25(1) of the Regulation in so far as it does not give sanctity to the grounds of ejectment available 
in a valid contract between the landlord and the tenant, entered into in accordance with the Injunctio n of Islam, was repugnant 
to the Injunction of Islam.   
69Substituted for the letter „A‟ by the  Land Reforms Regulation (Punjab Amendment) Ordinance 1982 (V of 1982); and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s.4 (w.e.f. 15.3.197 8). Earlier substituted by the Land 
Reforms (Amendment) Act 1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 
19.7.1976, pages 415-419, s.4, however, the same have ceased to be in forced by the Ordinance V of 1982.  
 (2) The crop grown at any time during Rabi 1971 –72 on any land 
comprised in a tenancy shall, on its maturing, be apportioned between the tenant 
and the land-lord in accordance with the law for the time being in force. 
 (3) As from Kharif 1972– 
(a) land revenue and other taxes, cesses, surcharge and levies on land 
shall be payable by the owner; 
(b) the liability for p ayment of water -rate, and providing seed for any land 
shall be that of the owner or other person in possession thereof, other 
than the tenant; 
(c) the cost of fertilizers and pesticides required for the land comprised in a 
tenancy shall be shared equally between the owner and the tenant; 
70
[(d) subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, a tenant shall have 
the first right of pre -emption in respect of the land comprised in his 
tenancy.] 
 (4) No owner or person in possession of any land shall levy any  cess on, 
or take any free labour from, any of his tenants. 
 
71
[ 
72
[(5) All suits for enforcing the right of pre -emption in respect of land 
comprised in a tenancy shall be exclusively entertained, heard and decided by the 
Collector within whose jurisdiction the land in respect of which the right of pre -
emption has been claimed is situated.  
 (6) Any person aggrieved by an order passed by a Collector under the 
preceding sub-paragraph may, within thirty days of such order, prefer an appeal to 
Commissioner.] 
 (7) The Board of Revenue may at any time , of its own motion or otherwise 
call for the record of any case or proceedings under this paragraph which is pending 
or in which a Collector or Commissioner has passed an order, for the purpose of 
satisfying itself as  to the correctness, legality or propriety of such proceedings or 
order, and may pass such order in relation thereto as it thinks fit: 
 Provided that no order shall be passed under this sub –paragraph revising or 
modifying an order affecting any person unle ss such person has been afforded an 
opportunity of being heard: 
 Provided further that the record of any case or proceedings in which a 
Collector or Commissioner has passed an order shall not be called for under this 
sub-paragraph on the application of any  aggrieved person made after the expiration 
of thirty days from the date of such order. 
 (8) For the purposes of this paragraph a Collector, a Commissioner and 
the Board of Revenue shall be deemed to be a Civil Court and shall have all powers 
                                                           
70By judgment / Order of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Said Kamal‟s case reported in PLD 
1986 SC 360, the provisions of paragraph 25(3)(d) of the Regulation were held repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam and they 
ceased to have effect on 31.7.1986. 
71Added by the Land Reforms Regulation (Punjab Amendment) Ordinance 1982 (V of 1982 ); and published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 26.4.1982, s.4 (w.e.f. 15.3.1978). Earlier substituted by the Land Reforms ( Amendment) Act 
1976 (Federal Act XLVIII of 1976); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 19.7.1976, pages 415 -419, 
s.4, however, the same have ceased to be in forced by the Ordinance V of 1982. 
72Footnote 70 explains the position. 
of a Civil Court under any law for the time being in force and the final order passed in 
such suits shall be deemed to be a decree of a Civil Court and shall be executed as 
such. 
 (9) In computing the limitation provided for in sub -paragraph (6) or sub -
paragraph (7), t he provisions of sections 5 and 12 of the Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 
1908) shall apply. 
Explanation.– In this paragraph, “Collector”, “Commissioner” and “Board of 
Revenue” have the meaning assigned to them in the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 
1967 (West Pakistan Act XVII of 1967).] 
PART VIII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
26. Bar of jurisdiction. – (1) No provision of this Regulation or of any rules or 
orders made thereunder shall be called in question in any court, including the High 
Court and the Supreme Court, or before any a uthority other than an authority 
appointed under this Regulation, and no such court or authority shall have 
jurisdiction in respect of any matter which the Commission is empowered to 
determine. 
 (2) No such court or authority as aforesaid shall be competen t to grant any 
injunction or other order in relation to any proceeding before the Commission s or 
before any officer exercising any power or discharging any function under this 
Regulation or the rules or orders made thereunder, or in relation to anything do ne or 
intended to be done by or at the instance of the Commission or such officer. 
27. Indemnity.– No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against Government 
or against any person in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended 
to be done under this Regulation. 
28. Grantees of land under the repealed Regulation not to pay instalments. – 
A grantee of land under the repealed Regulation shall be discharged from all liability 
in respect of any instalments payable by him under paragraph 19 of the said 
Regulation. 
73
[Explanation.– For the purposes of this paragraph, “grantee of land” means– 
(a) a tenant, or a resident of the Baluch area of Dera Ghazi Khan district 
referred to in the Pakistan (Punjab Boundary) Order, 1950 (G.G.O. 
No.2 of 1950), to  whom land was granted under the Sale Scheme 
prescribed under the repealed Regulation; or 
(b) a tenant or small land owner of the village concerned to whom land 
was granted under the Upgrading Scheme prescribed under the 
repealed Regulation.] 
                                                           
73Added by the Land Reforms (Punjab A mendment) Act 1973 (XI of 1973); and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated 215.1973, pages 757-D to 757-I, s.11. 
PART IX  
REVISION, PUNISHMENT AND PROCEDURE 
74
[29. Revisional powers of the Federal Government. – The Federal Government, 
or any person authorized by it in that behalf, may at any time, of its or his own motion 
or otherwise, call for the record of any case or proceedings  under this Regulation 
75
[or under the repealed Regulation] which is pending or in which a Commission or 
any other authority appointed under this Regulation 
76
[or under the repealed 
Regulation], other than the Federal Land Commission constituted under paragr aph 
4-A,]  has passed an order, for the purpose of satisfying itself or himself about the 
correctness, legality or propriety of such an order, and may pass such order in 
relation thereto as the Federal Government or, as the case may be, such person 
thinks fit: 
 Provided that the Federal Government may, from time to time, specify the 
cases or class of cases in which it desires to pass final orders: 
 Provided further that no order shall be passed under this paragraph revising 
or modifying an order affecting any person unless such person has been afforded an 
opportunity of being heard: 
 Provided further that the record of any case or proceedings in which a 
Commission or other authority has passed an order shall not be called for under this 
paragraph by the Federal Government or the person authorized by it– 
(a) of its or his own motion, after the 
77
[30th day of November, 1976] or 
(b) on the application of any aggrieved person made after the expiration of 
sixty days from the date of such order or from the enactment  of the 
Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973, whichever is later, excluding 
the time requisite for obtaining a copy of such order.] 
78
[29A .Additional powers of the President. - (1) If it shall appear to the President 
necessary or expedient in the public inter est so to do, he may make an Order, to be 
notified in the official Gazette– 
                                                           
741Substituted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1973 (Federal Act LXII of 1973); and pub lished in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 13.8.1973, pages589-592, s.7 (w.e.f. 11.3.1972). 
2Section 2 of the Land Reforms Regulation (Validation of Orders) Ordinance, 1978 (Federal Ordinance XXIX of 1978) ; and 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), Part I, dated 25.6.1978, provides as under: 
“2. Validation.- Notwithstanding any order or decision of any Court, any order passed by the Chairman or by a Member of the 
Federal Land Commission at any time before the commencement of th is Ordinance and purporting to be in exercise of the 
authority conferred on the Chairman and Members of the Commission by an order of the Federal Government under paragraph 
29 of the Land Reforms Regulation, 1972, shall be deemed to have been validly passe d and shall have, and shall be deemed 
always to have had, effect accordingly.” 
75Inserted by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1975 (Federal Act XXXIX of 1975); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), Part I, dated 18.4.1975, s.2  
76Inserted ibid. 
77Substituted for the words  and figures “30th day of September, 1976” by the Land Reforms (Second Amendment) Act 1976 
(Federal Act LXXIV of 1976) ; and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), Part I, dated 8.12.1972, s.2 . Earlier 
substituted for the words and figures “31 st day of March 1975” by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1975 (Federal Act 
XXXIX of 1975); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), Part I, dated 18.4.1975, s.3.  Earlier substituted for 
the words and figures “14th day of August, 1974” by the Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974); and 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.3. 
78Added by Martial Law Regulation No. 128. 
(a) reducing the area of land permitted to be possessed or owned under 
paragraph 8, so however that– 
(i) such area shall in no case be equivalent to less than twelve 
thousand produce index units, or less than one hundred and fifty 
acres of irrigated land, or three hundred acres of unirrigated 
land, or irrigated and unirrigated land the aggregate area of 
which is less than one hundred and fifty acres of irrigated land 
(one acre of ir rigated land being equivalent to two acres of 
unirrigated land); 
(ii) such area in the case of a person to whom the provisions of 
clause (2) of paragraph 8 apply shall in no case be equivalent to 
less than fourteen thousand produce index units; 
(b) making such omissions from, addition to, modifications of or 
amendments to this Regulation, as may be necessary in consequence 
of such Order. 
 (2) When any Order is made by the President under clause (1), the 
Provincial Commissions shall prescribe the form in whi ch declarations may be filed 
by persons owning land in excess of the area permitted by the said Order, and shall 
specify the period within which such declaration may be filed: 
 Provided that no such declaration shall he required from a person who has 
previously submitted a declaration under sub -clause (a) of clause (1) of paragraph 
12. 
 (3) No Order shall be made under clause (1) of this Article after the thirty -
first day of October, 1972.] 
30. Offences and penalties. – Whoever contravenes or fails to comply  with any 
of the provisions of this Regulation or the rules or orders made thereunder, or fails to 
make any declaration or furnish any information required by such provisions, or 
willfully furnishes incomplete or false declaration or information, or tamper s with any 
record relevant to the purposes of such provisions, or obstructs any person in the 
discharge of his duties or functions under such provisions shall be punished with 
rigorous imprisonment which may extend to seven years, and where a person has 
been convicted under this paragraph of willfully making or furnishing a false 
declaration, the court convicting him may order that all or any immovable property of 
such person be forfeited to Government. 
31. Cognizance of offences. – No court shall take cogni zance of an offence 
under this Regulation except on a complaint in writing made by order of, or under 
authority from, the Commission. 
32. Repeal and saving. – (1) The West Pakistan Land Reforms Regulation 
(Regulation 64 of 1959), hereinafter referred to as the said Regulation, is hereby 
repealed. 
 (2) Subject to the other provisions of this Regulation, the repeal of the said 
Regulation shall not affect– 
(a) the previous operation of the said Regulation or the validity, invalidity, 
effect or consequences of a nything already done or suffered 
thereunder; 
(b) any right, title, privilege, obligation or liability, acquired, accrued or 
incurred thereunder; or 
(c) any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of any offence 
under the said Regulation; or 
(d) any investigation, legal proceedings or remedy in respect of any such 
right, title, privilege, obligation,   liability, penalty, forfeiture or 
punishment as aforesaid; and any such investigation, legal 
proceedings, or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced and 
any such penalty, forfeiture or punishment, may be imposed as if this 
Regulation had not been made. 
 (3) Any proceedings pending before an authority constituted or appointed 
under the said Regulation, immediately before the coming into forc e of this 
Regulation, shall stand transferred to such authority constituted or appointed under 
this Regulation as the Commission may, by order published in the official Gazette, 
specify in this behalf, and the authority to which such proceedings are transf erred 
shall, in such proceedings, act in accordance with the provisions of the said 
Regulation, as if it had been appointed under the said Regulation. 
 
79
[(4) Land vesting in Government under the repealed Regulation and not 
granted to any person before the repeal thereof shall be disposed of or utilized by 
Government as far as may be in accordance with the provisions of Part V.] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
79Added by the Land  Reforms (Amendment) Act  1974 (Federal Act XXX of 1974); and published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated 30.4.1974, pages171-175, s.4.