Legal Services

Property Dispute Lawyer in Karachi

Expert property dispute resolution, land grabbing defense, title verification, and tenant eviction proceedings in Karachi courts.

Last Updated: February 2026 | Reviewed by Reema Jawed, Advocate High Court

A property dispute lawyer in Karachi represents landowners, buyers, tenants, and heirs in legal conflicts over immovable property. MR Law Associates, led by Advocate Reema Jawed, handles land grabbing cases, title fraud, encroachment disputes, tenant eviction petitions, and boundary conflicts before Karachi's Civil Courts, Rent Controller, and the High Court of Sindh. Our firm protects property rights through litigation under the Transfer of Property Act 1882, the Registration Act 1908, and the Illegal Dispossession Act 2005.

Property disputes are the single most litigated category of civil cases in Karachi. The city's complex land ownership system, involving Sindh Board of Revenue records, SBCA allotments, cooperative society plots, and privately subdivided land, creates frequent ownership conflicts. Fraudulent title deeds, unauthorized construction, and illegal encroachment further complicate matters.

What Types of Property Dispute Cases Does MR Law Associates Handle?

MR Law Associates handles all categories of property litigation common in Karachi including ownership disputes, boundary conflicts, illegal possession, and rental disagreements. The firm represents both plaintiffs seeking to recover their property rights and defendants protecting their lawful possession.

Land Grabbing & Illegal Dispossession

Representing victims of land grabbing under the Illegal Dispossession Act 2005. This includes recovering possession from illegal occupants, filing FIRs for property fraud, and obtaining urgent injunctions to prevent further encroachment. The Act prescribes imprisonment up to 3 years for offenders.

Title Disputes & Ownership Conflicts

Resolving disputes over property ownership through declaratory suits. Common scenarios include conflicting sale deeds, forged power of attorney transfers, disputed inheritance claims, and properties sold to multiple buyers. We conduct thorough title searches through the Sub-Registrar and revenue records.

Tenant Eviction & Rent Disputes

Filing eviction petitions under the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance 1979 for non-payment of rent, unauthorized subletting, or landlord's personal need. We also handle rent controller proceedings, fair rent applications, and tenant defense against wrongful eviction.

Encroachment & Boundary Disputes

Representing property owners whose land has been encroached upon by neighbors, builders, or unauthorized parties. This includes obtaining demolition orders, boundary demarcation through court-appointed surveyors, and injunctions to prevent further construction on disputed boundaries.

How Do You Verify Property Ownership Before Buying in Karachi?

Property verification in Karachi requires checking multiple records across different authorities because no single document provides complete ownership proof. A property dispute lawyer conducts a title search covering at least 30 years of ownership history to identify legal risks before purchase.

The verification process includes:

  1. Title deed search: Verify the registered sale deed (bai-nama) at the Sub-Registrar's office. Confirm the seller's name matches the registered owner.
  2. Mutation records (intiqal): Check with the Mukhtiarkar (revenue authority) that ownership transfer was properly recorded in the revenue records.
  3. Encumbrance certificate: Obtain from the Sub-Registrar's office confirming no mortgages, liens, or pending litigation exist against the property.
  4. SBCA approved plan: For built properties in Karachi, verify the approved building plan from the Sindh Building Control Authority.
  5. Utility verification: Confirm utility connections (electricity, gas, water) are in the seller's name, which corroborates possession.
  6. Court case search: Search Civil Court and High Court records for any pending litigation involving the property or seller.
  7. CNIC verification: Match the seller's CNIC with the owner listed on all documents to prevent impersonation fraud.

Skipping any verification step creates legal risk. Properties bought without proper title search account for a large portion of property dispute cases filed in Karachi's courts. An advocate's title search costs far less than defending a property fraud lawsuit later.

What Legal Remedies Exist for Property Disputes in Karachi?

Property dispute remedies in Karachi depend on the nature of the conflict and the urgency of relief needed. Courts offer both interim (temporary) and final remedies through different legal instruments under the CPC, Specific Relief Act, and criminal law.

Legal Remedy When Used Timeline
Injunction (stay order) Preventing sale, transfer, or construction on disputed property Days to weeks
Declaratory suit Establishing legal ownership when title is disputed 2-5 years
Possession suit Recovering physical possession from illegal occupants 2-6 years
Recovery suit Recovering money paid for fraudulent property deals 2-4 years
Partition suit Dividing jointly owned property among co-owners 2-7 years
Eviction petition Removing tenants under rent law 1-3 years
Criminal FIR Land grabbing, forgery, fraud under Illegal Dispossession Act Varies

What Is Adverse Possession Under Pakistani Property Law?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of property through continuous, open, hostile, and uninterrupted possession for 12 years without the true owner filing a legal challenge. Under the Limitation Act 1908, if the true owner fails to initiate recovery proceedings within 12 years, the possessor may acquire legal rights over the property.

Four conditions must be met for an adverse possession claim in Pakistan:

  • Continuous possession: Unbroken physical occupation for a minimum of 12 years.
  • Open and notorious: Possession visible and known to the public, not hidden or secret.
  • Hostile to the owner: Possession without the owner's permission or consent.
  • Exclusive: The possessor treats the property as their own, not sharing with the true owner.

If you suspect someone is building an adverse possession claim against your property, file a civil suit immediately. Once the 12-year period expires, recovery becomes substantially more difficult.

How Does Tenant Eviction Work Under Sindh Rent Law?

Tenant eviction in Karachi follows the procedures of the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance 1979. Landlords cannot use force, threats, or utility disconnection to remove tenants. All evictions must go through the Rent Controller's office.

Legal grounds for eviction include:

  • Non-payment of rent: Tenant has failed to pay rent for 2 or more consecutive months despite written demand.
  • Unauthorized subletting: Tenant has sublet the premises without the landlord's written permission.
  • Change of use: Tenant is using the premises for a purpose different from what was agreed (residential converted to commercial).
  • Landlord's personal need: Landlord requires the premises for their own genuine use (must prove no alternative accommodation).
  • Property damage: Tenant has caused substantial damage or made unauthorized structural changes.
  • Nuisance: Tenant's behavior is a nuisance to other occupants or neighbors.

The process starts with a legal notice giving the tenant 15-30 days to comply or vacate. If the tenant doesn't respond, the landlord files an eviction petition before the Rent Controller. The Rent Controller hears both sides and issues an eviction order if grounds are proven.

Why Choose MR Law Associates for Property Disputes in Karachi?

MR Law Associates provides property dispute representation across all court levels in Karachi. Advocate Reema Jawed handles property cases involving residential, commercial, and agricultural land disputes with a focus on documentation, title verification, and litigation strategy.

  • Title search expertise: We verify ownership through Sub-Registrar records, revenue office documents, and court case searches before advising on any property matter.
  • Multiple court representation: The firm practices before Civil Courts, Rent Controller's office, and the High Court of Sindh for appeals.
  • Related services: We handle connected matters including succession certificates for inherited property, partition suits for jointly held land, and NTN registration for property tax compliance.
  • Proximity to courts: Our office near City Court Karachi reduces travel time for document filing, court appearances, and client meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Disputes in Karachi

How do I verify property ownership in Karachi before buying?

Verify through: (1) title deed at Sub-Registrar, (2) mutation records from Mukhtiarkar, (3) encumbrance certificate, (4) SBCA approved plan, and (5) utility bills. An advocate's title search covering 30 years of ownership history identifies legal risks before purchase.

What is the punishment for land grabbing in Pakistan?

The Illegal Dispossession Act 2005 prescribes imprisonment up to 3 years and fines for property grabbing through fraud, force, or forgery. The Act provides civil recovery of possession and criminal penalties. Police can register an FIR under Section 3.

How long does a property dispute case take in Karachi?

Property disputes take 2 to 8 years depending on complexity, suit type, forgery investigations, and party count. Injunction applications for urgent protection can be decided within weeks. Appeals to the High Court add additional time.

Can a tenant be evicted in Karachi?

Yes, under the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance 1979 for specific grounds: non-payment, subletting, unauthorized use, or landlord's personal need. The process requires a legal notice followed by an eviction petition before the Rent Controller.

What documents prove property ownership in Pakistan?

Key documents include: registered sale deed (bai-nama), allotment letter, possession letter, mutation record (intiqal), fard from revenue department, approved building plan, utility connections, and property tax receipts. The registered sale deed carries the strongest evidentiary weight.

What is adverse possession in Pakistani property law?

Adverse possession grants legal ownership through continuous, open, hostile possession for 12 years without the true owner's objection. Under the Limitation Act 1908, failure to file suit within 12 years extinguishes the owner's right to recover the property.

Need a Property Dispute Lawyer in Karachi?

Discuss your property matter with Advocate Reema Jawed. Confidential consultation for ownership disputes, land grabbing, and eviction cases.

Call: 0336-3120798 WhatsApp Send a Message

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Property laws and procedures vary based on property type, location within Karachi, and applicable authority jurisdiction. Consult Advocate Reema Jawed at 0333-0677747 for case-specific legal advice. MR Law Associates practices in Karachi, Pakistan.