Recently, two visually impaired brothers, Gulzar Sahib and Mukhtar Sahib, residents of Alipur, became victims of a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing property fraud. What makes this case even more painful is that the alleged perpetrator is none other than their own cousin.
Both brothers are blind. Taking advantage of their disability, their trust was exploited in the most inhumane way. Through deception and manipulation, their thumb impressions were taken on legal documents they could neither read nor understand. As a result, their valuable property, approximately 30 kanals and 10 marlas, worth between PKR 250 to 300 million, was illegally transferred and later sold.
This fraud could not have been possible without the active involvement and collusion of revenue officials, particularly the patwari. It was well known that the victims were visually impaired, yet no safeguards were applied. No effort was made to ensure they understood the documents, the transaction, or whether they even received the consideration amount. This is not just negligence, it is a grave moral and legal failure.
The children of the victims were present during these events, witnessing the injustice inflicted upon their parents. Despite this, no immediate intervention took place. This highlights a painful reality: the most vulnerable members of society are often left unprotected.
As legal practitioners, we consider ourselves fortunate that people travel from far and wide seeking justice. Yet, at the same time, we feel deeply unfortunate that our legal system is so complex and slow that even with honest effort, cases like these take years to reach a conclusion. Justice delayed, in many cases, becomes justice denied.
This is not merely a legal issue; it is a moral one. This world is temporary. Every individual will one day be held accountable. Consuming even a single penny of someone’s lawful property unjustly leads to disgrace in this world and severe consequences in the hereafter. The silence of wrongdoing does not mean safety, Allah’s grip is firm, even if it is silent.
Pakistan continues to deal with property matters under laws dating back to 1908, while the realities of 2025 demand modern, stronger, and victim-centric legislation. It is encouraging that the Chief Minister has passed strong orders regarding property protection, but a critical question remains: what about those who have already been defrauded?
Those who commit property fraud must not only face cancellation of illegal transactions but also criminal prosecution and imprisonment, so that such crimes become a lesson, not a routine practice.
When Allah grants a nation sincere rulers and they enact just laws, the prayers of the oppressed become their reward, both in this world and in the hereafter.
Justice for the vulnerable is not a favor. It is a duty.