13 encroached properties: Senate panel slams SLIC for failing to pursue legal cases

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Tuesday grilled the management of the State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) for failing to pursue cases related to 13 encroached properties worth billions of rupees across the country, despite the lapse of over 54 years. The meeting, presided over by Senator Anusha Rahman Khan, considered Starred Question No. 52 raised by Senator Shahadat Awan in the Senate sitting held on April 7, 2026. The question sought details of properties owned by SLIC, including dates of purchase and their current status — whether in use, rented, encroached upon, or lying vacant. During the discussion, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shoaib Javed Hussain informed the Committee that SLIC owns a total of 92 properties. Of these, 39 are rented out, nine are in self-use (offices), 20 are partly rented and partly in self-use, 10 are vacant, and 13 are encroached. The encroached properties are located in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Committee members Talha Mehmood, Sarmad Ali, Bilal Ahmed Khan, and Amir Waliuddin Chishti raised concerns over the prolonged duration of encroachments, reasons for litigation, and delays in court proceedings. The committee was informed that most of the litigation stemmed from the nationalisation of properties in 1972. These cases are currently pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, various High Courts, and lower courts. Some members also questioned the integrity and performance of lawyers on SLIC’s panel, expressing concerns that cases were being pursued weakly. The committee sought details of fees paid to lawyers over the years. Regarding a property in Rawalpindi, some members remarked that SLIC should “forget” the plot, drawing laughter during the meeting. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul stated that SLIC cannot simply write off or gift any property, as this would trigger audit objections, and the Principal Accounting Officer (PAO)/Secretary Commerce would be answerable to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). After detailed deliberations, the committee directed SLIC management to provide comprehensive details of the encroached properties, including duration of litigation, locations, and legal expenses incurred so far. Responding to a question on exports raised by Senator Talha Mehmood, the secretary Commerce outlined key reasons for poor export performance, citing high energy costs, delayed refunds, and an unfavorable taxation regime compared to competing countries. He added that a detailed presentation on the causes of stagnant or declining exports would be presented to the Committee. The Chairperson also raised the issue of over 250 used cars sent by overseas Pakistanis from Japan following the issuance of the requisite SRO. The Secretary clarified that the vehicles were dispatched after the SRO had been duly approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the Federal Cabinet. The committee members noted that the government had granted relief in similar cases in the past and urged the Ministry to consider requests from overseas Pakistanis. In response, the secretary stated that relief could be considered for both pre-shipment and post-shipment cases, provided the owners comply with the prescribed conditions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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