LHC introduces e-filing rules for overseas Pakistanis’ property cases

The Lahore High Court has introduced new e-filing and procedural rules for special courts dealing with property disputes

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has introduced new e-filing and procedural rules for special courts dealing with property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis, marking another step towards digitising judicial proceedings and making court access easier for litigants living abroad.

The rules, issued under the framework of the Punjab Establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act 2025, provide mechanisms for electronic filing, digital court records and participation in proceedings through electronic means. The underlying law specifically authorises the Lahore High Court to establish procedures for filing petitions, responses and applications electronically and for conducting hearings and recording evidence through electronic means.

According to the notification cited in the case, the new provisions have been incorporated into the Lahore High Court Rules and Orders following approval through the relevant judicial process. The reforms cover two areas: procedures for commercial benches and e-filing and proceedings before special courts dealing with overseas Pakistanis’ property disputes.

The overseas-property rules are aimed at addressing practical difficulties faced by Pakistanis who live, work or study abroad and are unable to regularly appear before courts in Pakistan.

Under the new digital framework, lawyers and litigants can use an approved electronic portal for filing petitions and other court documents. The rules also provide mechanisms for electronic notices and communication, while courts may conduct proceedings through video links where appropriate, helping overseas litigants participate without having to travel to Pakistan for every stage of a case.

The Punjab law already provides that special courts are to deal with petitions concerning the immovable properties of overseas Pakistanis. It also allows the maintenance of both physical and electronic records of cases and proceedings.

The new procedures are expected to simplify the submission and management of case documents. Electronic records can also make it easier for courts and parties to maintain a searchable and organised record of proceedings, subject to the requirements prescribed by the court.

Another important aspect is the verification and registration process for users of the e-filing system. Lawyers and parties will be required to register through the designated portal and comply with the authentication requirements prescribed under the rules.

The framework also provides for mechanisms to assist litigants facing difficulties with electronic filing. Facilitation arrangements at the district level are intended to help users submit documents and resolve technical issues connected with the digital system.

The reforms are particularly relevant to overseas Pakistanis involved in disputes over ownership, possession or control of immovable property in Punjab. The 2025 Act was enacted specifically to establish special courts for such matters and to provide protection for ownership and possession rights.

The law further provides a structured mechanism for the disposal of cases and allows special courts to take protective measures, including injunctions and attachment of property in appropriate circumstances, to prevent rights from being frustrated during litigation.

The Lahore High Court’s latest rules therefore represent an effort to translate the statutory framework into practical digital procedures. By enabling electronic filing, remote participation and digital record management, the system is intended to reduce some of the logistical difficulties faced by overseas litigants.

The rules have been issued as part of broader judicial modernisation efforts, with the objective of improving access to courts and making proceedings involving overseas Pakistanis more accessible and efficient.