Author IALC
High Court grants relief to villagers in Lucky Cement land acquisition case
In 2016, the Government of the Punjab initiated compulsory land acquisition proceedings on behalf of Lucky Cement (Pvt.) Ltd. for setting up of a cement plant and limestone quarry in village Buchal Kalan, District Chakwal. The project would have dispossessed a large number of villagers of their ancestral agricultural land. It would have stripped them of their identity, which is inextricable linked with their land. It would also have created unbearable environmental hazards for the population of surrounding villages. They would have been deprived of their right to life guaranteed by Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The villagers instructed Ch. Imran Hassan Ali, Advocate Supreme Court, to challenge the compulsory acquisition of their land through a Constitution Petition before the Honourable Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench. The Court accepted Imran’s arguments at preliminary hearing of the case and issued an injunction restraining the Respondents from dispossessing the villagers. The Respondents initially instructed Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, the then President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, to seek vacation of the injunction. However, the Court refused to vacate the injunction.
The case remained pending for almost 8 years and came up for final hearing on 13-11-2025, when the Honourable Mr. Justice Ch. Sultan Mahmood was pleased to allow the petition. Imran’s submissions highlighted procedural irregularities and misapplication of statutory provisions—deficiencies the Court found material enough to vitiate the impugned proceedings. The Court emphasised that executive authorities must act strictly within the bounds of law and cannot override vested rights through defective processes. Consequently, the Court quashed the notice for acquisition of the Petitioners’ land.
For media coverage of this case, please click on the following link:
High Court dismisses Punjab Government’s plea against Awan Foundation of Pakistan
Awan Foundation is an NGO that undertakes various types of not-for-profit projects for public welfare. On 14-01-1999, the Government of Punjab leased out 48 kanals of land in village Malikwal, Talagang, to the Petitioner for purposes of building aa school to provide free education to children from disadvantaged segments of the society. However, the Deputy Commissioner cancelled the lease deed after a couple of years. Awan Foundation successfully challenged the cancellation before the Civil Judge. Government’s appeal also failed.
The Government then brought a civil revision application before the Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench). Ch. Imran Hassan Ali, ASC, represented the Awan Foundation before the High Court. After hearing both sides, Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf dismissed the Government’s revision application on 01-12-2025.
High Court appoints Imran friend of the court in a contractual dispute
On 22-10-2025, a Division Bench of the Lahore High Court appointed Ch. Imran Hassan Ali as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in a case related to the Contract Act, 1872, the Specific Relief Act, 1877, and the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984. The Court seeks assistance on whether an oral contract for the sale of immovable property can be considered valid and enforceable in the absence of a written agreement, and what evidential standards apply to establish such an oral agreement. Additionally, the case involves the question of under what circumstances a court may order the purchaser in such an agreement to deposit the outstanding sale consideration in court, and what legal consequences would follow if the purchaser fails to make the required deposit.
It is a great honour for Imran. All praise is for Allah alone!
Watch this space for further updates on this case.
New Building Byelaws Introduced by Al-Haram City
In a significant step forward, Al-Haram City has introduced newly drafted building byelaws, marking a pivotal development in the project’s legal and regulatory framework. The byelaws, to be known as Al-Haram City Rawalpindi (Building) Byelaws, 2025, have been drafted by Barrister Ch. Imran Hassan Ali.
The byelaws address crucial aspects of construction, design, safety, and environmental impact, setting out clear guidelines for developers, contractors, and homeowners alike. They include provisions for structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility, alongside detailed specifications on permissible construction practices, materials, and design standards. Notably, the byelaws also emphasize sustainable building practices, with guidelines on energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation.
By integrating these byelaws into the development process, the project team ensures that the construction not only complies with local regulations but also meets the highest standards of safety and sustainability. These byelaws serve as an important legal safeguard, aligning with both local zoning regulations and international best practices, and are set to be a cornerstone in the continued success of the project.
Imran successfully mediates high-stakes corporate dispute
On January 15, 2025, the Honourable Mr. Justice Jawad Hassan, Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, took a significant step toward promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by appointing Barrister Chaudhary Imran Hassan Ali, ASC, as the mediator in a high-profile and high-stakes corporate dispute involving shareholders of South Avenue (Private) Limited, a major real estate company in Bahria Town.
By the Grace of Allah, the mediation was successful. On 14-05-2025, the parties reached an agreement on all issues between them. Imran drafted a formal agreement with consent of parties, which was filed in court on 02-07-2025. The court disposed of the case in light of the said agreement.
This case underscores the judiciary’s growing commitment to ADR as a cost-effective and efficient means of resolving disputes. It also highlights the rising relevance of ADR in corporate matters.
Imran appears as friend of the court in case about adoptive father’s liability to maintain adopted child
The Lahore High Court was pleased to appoint Ch. Imran Hassan Ali as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in a case about the liability of an adoptive father to pay maintenance to an adopted daughter. The adoptive parents had divorced and the child was residing with the adoptive mother.
On 30-05-2025, Imran appeared as amicus curiae and assisted the court. Agreeing with Imran’s submissions, the Court was pleased to remand the case to the trial court for de novo trial.
The title of the case is Shahid vs Additional District Judge and others (W.P. No. 2012/2021).
All praise is for Allah alone!
High Court appoints Imran friend of the court in case under banking laws
On 20-05-2025, the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, was pleased to appoint Ch. Imran Hassan Ali as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in a case under banking laws. It is a suit in original civil jurisdiction of the High Court instituted by M/s Islamabad Farms against MCB Bank Limited. It involves legal questions about the validity of a mortgage charge and the bank’s liability to compensate the customer for its failure to release funds under a finance facility.
It is a great honour for Imran. All praise is for Allah alone!
The case is at an initial stage at present. Watch this space for updates on further developments in this case.
Legal Framework Established for Al-Haram City
Barrister Ch. Imran Hassan Ali has successfully drafted and finalised the terms and conditions for Al-Haram City, a major private housing society with projects in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The housing society, which is expected to become one of the major residential developments in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has now entered its next phase of development, with legal documentation setting a clear framework for future transactions, membership, and property transactions within the society.
The terms and conditions cover a wide range of issues, including but not limited to property ownership rights, the allocation of plots, maintenance responsibilities, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the obligations of both developers and homeowners. The terms and conditions align with local regulations while also providing clarity and protection for all parties involved. This is an important milestone in the legal aspect of the project.
Imran addresses a symposium on ADR
On 28-04-2025, a symposium on alternative dispute resolution was held at the Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association auditorium. Ch. Imran Hassan Ali, ASC, had the honour and the privilege to be one of the speakers. His speech focused on the recent instances of court-mandated mediation at the Rawalpindi Bench and the benefits of court-mandated mediation for lawyers. Other speakers at the symposium included Mr. Justice (R) Mushir Alam, Mr. Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, Mr. Justice Jawad Hassan, Mr. Justice Asim Hafeez, District Judge Sufyan Rana from England, Deputy District Judge Ghazan Mahmood from England, and Barrister Talha Ilyas Sheikh.
The speeches can be viewed on Facebook by clicking here. Imran’s speech starts at around 16:00 in the video.
Imran appointed as friend of the court in a case under the Defamation Ordinance
On 03-03-2025, a Single Bench of the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, was pleased to appoint Ch. Imran Hassan Ali, ASC, as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in a case under the Defamation Ordinance, 2002.
Arguments are expected to be heard after Ramadan.
It is a great honour for Imran. All praise is for Allah alone!
Please watch this space for updates on this case.