Provision:
Right to Property
Every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property in any part of Pakistan, subject to the Constitution and any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the public interest.
Meaning:
Article 23 guarantees the right of every citizen to legally own and manage property anywhere in Pakistan. This includes the freedom to buy, sell, or transfer land, houses, or other assets.
However, the state may impose reasonable restrictions in the public interest—for example, for urban planning, environmental protection, or equitable land distribution. The article aims to balance individual property rights with societal needs.
Application:
When a citizen purchases land, builds a home, or transfers property through sale or inheritance, they are exercising their right under Article 23.
If the government places zoning restrictions, acquires land for public infrastructure, or enforces regulations to prevent illegal occupation, such actions are permitted under this article—provided they are lawful, reasonable, and serve the public good. Arbitrary or discriminatory interference with property rights would violate this constitutional protection