The University of Peshawar (UoP) has officially taken possession of a high-value estate worth Rs. 5 billion in Peshawar's University Town, bringing a successful conclusion to a 22-year legal battle. The transfer of possession took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, when a court bailiff formally handed over the property to the university's registrar under court supervision.
Located on Gul Maher Lane, the property spans more than nine kanals. It was originally bequeathed to the university by the late Begum Kulsoom Amin Durrani through a registered waqf deed dated January 2, 1974. Dedicated strictly to student welfare, revenue generated from the prime estate is expected to finance up to 350 comprehensive scholarships for deserving students throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Milestones of the 22-Year Legal Dispute
The prolonged legal contention began on September 21, 2004, when the University of Peshawar petitioned a civil court to establish legal title and gain possession of the encroached land. On June 22, 2013, the court ruled in favor of the institution, formally declaring the site a waqf property, appointing UoP as its mutawalli (trustee), and issuing an injunction restraining the opposing parties from selling or transferring the land.
Subsequent appeals delayed the handover for years. On November 15, 2023, the Additional District Judge-II, Peshawar, dismissed an appeal filed against the judgment. The Peshawar High Court later lifted an interim stay order on March 23, 2025, culminating in the final dismissal of the opposing parties' civil revision petitions on October 15, 2026. To execute the order, the executing court had directed the SSP Operations, Peshawar, on October 9 to provide adequate police deployment to assist the court bailiff.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Value | Rs. 5 Billion |
| Total Area | More than 9 kanals |
| Location | Gul Maher Lane, University Town, Peshawar |
| Original Waqf Deed | January 2, 1974 (Donated by Begum Kulsoom Amin Durrani) |
| Case Initiated | September 21, 2004 |
| Civil Court Waqf Ruling | June 22, 2013 |
| Final High Court Dismissal | October 15, 2026 |
| Physical Possession Date | October 16, 2026 |
| Student Welfare Impact | Anticipated funding for up to 350 provincial scholarships |
Concrete Impact on Students and Parents
For Pakistani parents and university students facing increasing tuition burdens, the reclamation of this endowment provides vital financial relief. Because the property is legally protected as a waqf trust under university stewardship, proceeds derived from leasing or commercialization must be channeled into student aid rather than general campus administration.
While the University of Peshawar has not yet published the formal application portal or deadlines for the 350 endowments, the handover allows administrators to finalize revenue mechanisms and criteria. Eligible applicants and families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are advised to monitor official UoP admission and financial aid circulars as the university outlines the allocation framework for this dedicated welfare fund.
Source: Originally reported by UOP.
Source: Originally reported by UOP.
Source: ProPakistani