Guide

Sending a power of attorney
to Pakistan

A power of attorney lets someone in Pakistan act for you. You choose between one that covers a single matter and one that covers everything. You have to sign it in person at a Pakistani mission, because it cannot be sent by courier.

Where this applies This page covers a power of attorney that you sign outside Pakistan and that someone uses for you inside Pakistan. It does not cover one signed inside Pakistan.

Photograph: Angela Roma

Two kinds, and the difference matters

For one matter

Special power of attorney

It covers one matter and nothing else.

For everything

General power of attorney

It gives broad authority. Give it only to someone you would trust with everything.

Ask your advocate which one your matter needs.

What you do, in order

Decide what the person may do

This is what decides which of the two you need.
Have the draft checked in Pakistan

The advocate who will use the document should read it before you sign.
Sign it in person

You go to the Pakistani mission yourself. A power of attorney cannot be sent by courier.

Note Ask the mission what to bring on the day, and ask the advocate what has to happen to the document after you sign. The questions to ask are below.

The apostille route

9 March 2023

Pakistan has been part of the Hague Apostille Convention since this date. Between countries that are both part of it, a public document can travel with an apostille instead of consular legalisation. Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain are part of it. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait are not.

Ask your advocate whether this route is open for your document.