National Assembly Introduces Abandoned Properties Management Amendment Bill 2026

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Abandoned Properties (Management) (Amendment) Bill 2026 to amend the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975, streamline administrative procedures, and improve decision-making in matters related to abandoned properties in Pakistan.

The Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975 regulates the management, administration, and control of abandoned properties in Pakistan. The government says the amendment was needed to rationalize administrative powers and align the law with legal requirements following the Mustafa Impex case.

What Changed in the Law?

“Federal Government” Replaced with “Prime Minister” in Section 4

The amendment proposes changes in Section 4 of the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975.

In subsection (1), the words “Federal Government,” wherever appearing, will be replaced with “Prime Minister.”

In subsection (5), the words “Federal Government” will also be replaced with “Prime Minister.”

The government says this change will:

• Clearly identify the competent authority
• Reduce unnecessary referrals to the Federal Cabinet
• Improve administrative efficiency
• Speed up routine administrative decisions
• Streamline governance under the Act

Appointment of Administrator Updated in Section 5

Section 5 of the Act has also been amended.

The amendment substitutes subsection (1) with a new provision regarding the appointment of an Administrator for Pakistan and one or more Deputy Administrators for different areas.

Under the new provision, these appointments will be made by such authority, in such manner, and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

The government says this amendment will:

• Clarify the appointment process
• Strengthen administrative control
• Improve management of abandoned properties
• Ensure proper delegation of authority
• Support smoother implementation of the Act

“Federal Government” Replaced with “Division Concerned” in Section 19

Section 19 of the Act has also been amended.

In subsection (3), the words “Federal Government” will be replaced with “Division concerned.”

The government says this change will:

• Delegate routine administrative powers to the relevant division
• Reduce the burden on the Federal Cabinet
• Improve decision-making speed
• Support efficient handling of procedural matters
• Strengthen departmental responsibility

Section 25 Updated Regarding Delegation of Powers

The amendment also proposes a change in Section 25 of the Act.

After the word “Act,” the expression “except the power exercisable under section 30” will be inserted.

The government says this amendment will:

• Clarify which powers may be delegated
• Exclude powers exercisable under Section 30 from delegation
• Remove ambiguity in the law
• Strengthen the legal framework
• Improve administrative accountability

Governance Reforms Introduced

The amendment is part of broader legal and administrative reforms proposed in light of the Mustafa Impex case.

In the Mustafa Impex judgment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan clarified that executive decisions involving policy, financial, or administrative implications must be taken by the Federal Cabinet collectively, unless the law authorizes another authority.

After this judgment, the government observed that several existing laws still assign routine, procedural, and administrative powers to the “Federal Government.” This creates the need to repeatedly send minor and non-policy matters to the Federal Cabinet, causing unnecessary delays.

Why This Law Was Needed

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the amendment was introduced to streamline governance, improve administrative efficiency, and ensure that the Federal Cabinet focuses on matters of national policy and strategic importance.

The Cabinet Division reviewed relevant laws and prepared the amendment bill to rationalize and reassign routine powers to appropriate authorities.

The bill aims to reduce avoidable burden on the Cabinet and improve the speed of administrative decision-making.

Key Objectives of the Amendment

• Amend the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975
• Replace “Federal Government” with “Prime Minister” in Section 4
• Update the appointment process for Administrator and Deputy Administrators
• Replace “Federal Government” with “Division concerned” in Section 19
• Clarify delegation of powers under Section 25
• Reduce unnecessary burden on the Federal Cabinet
• Improve administrative efficiency
• Streamline routine and procedural matters
• Align the law with the Mustafa Impex judgment
• Strengthen governance related to abandoned properties

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Abandoned Properties (Management) (Amendment) Bill 2026 to modernize administrative procedures, clarify institutional authority, and support the effective functioning of the legal framework governing abandoned properties in Pakistan.