Powers of attorney are among the busiest services at Pakistani missions, because property matters in Pakistan are document-heavy and frequently involve relatives abroad. Missions attest the power, and the document then has to be acted on in Pakistan through the relevant registry or court.
Quick facts
Pakistani practice usually requires the grantor to appear in person with two witnesses, and expects the document to identify the property with the precision a land registry demands.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attestation of a power of attorney | Mission tariff | Varies by post |
| Affidavit | Mission tariff | Sworn before the officer |
| Document attestation | Mission tariff | Per document |
| Registration in Pakistan | Charged there | Sub-registrar’s office |
| Stamp duty | Charged in Pakistan | Province-dependent |
Land and property are provincial matters in Pakistan, so requirements differ between Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The lawyer there should confirm what applies.
How to apply
- Have the lawyer in Pakistan draft the power with the exact wording and property description required.
- Arrange two witnesses who can attend with you.
- Book the appointment at the mission covering your state.
- Attend with identification and the unsigned document.
- Sign before the consular officer and pay the tariff.
- Courier the original to Pakistan and have it registered where required.
Required documents
- Pakistani passport or overseas identity card.
- The unsigned draft from Pakistan, complete.
- Two witnesses with their own identification.
- Full details of the person receiving the power, with their identity card number.
- Property records or case references.
- Payment in the accepted form.
Where to apply
At the embassy or the consulate general covering your state, by appointment.
The Consulate General of Pakistan, Chicago
View details →HoustonPakistan Consulate General Houston
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of Pakistan
View details →MaricopaPAK LINK - Pakistan Consulate Facilitation Services for US Citizens
View details →MillisConsulate General of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
View details →New YorkConsulate General of Pakistan New York
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Pakistan
View details →Additional notes
Property disputes are common
Land records in Pakistan are frequently contested, and a power granted loosely can cause serious loss. Limit it to the specific transaction.
Identity card numbers
Every party should be identified by their card number, not just by name. Registries rely on it.
Fees are not returned
As everywhere in this network, a rejected or abandoned application does not produce a refund.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further attested document and notice to the registry and to whoever holds the original.