FAQ - Attestation

FAQ - Attestation

If a document is not issued or generated in Pakistan and needs to be used in Pakistan, it must be legalized/attested by the nearest Embassy/High Commission/Consulate General.

An attested document serves as a replacement for a 'Stamp Paper' generated outside Pakistan, to be used inside Pakistan as a legal document. Legalization/attestation does not authenticate the veracity of the document.

For example the Consulate does not verify the contents of the Power of Attorney; it only attests the signatures.

The Mission legalizes/attests various documents, including Powers of Attorney, birth, marriage, character, or death certificates, affidavits, and bank authorizations, among others.

We do not have a requirement for the Power of Attorney to be prepared by a solicitor. However, you should verify any legal requirements from the beneficiary in whose name you are executing the Power of Attorney.

You do not necessarily need to consult a solicitor; the Power of Attorney can be printed on plain paper and must be signed in front of the Consulate's authorized staff member.

There is no specific format for the Power of Attorney. However, it should include:

  • Details of the person executing the document (e.g., name, address, ID number, photograph, etc.).
  • Details of the person in whose favor the Power of Attorney is being executed (e.g., name, address, ID number, or any other relevant detail).
  • Details of the property/item for which the Power of Attorney is generated (e.g., property located at [address], and the nature of the authority—e.g., authority to execute sale/rent/lease on behalf of the executant, etc.).

It is not a compulsory requirement of the Consulate to have witnesses. However, if the beneficiary (i.e., the person in whose name you are executing the Power of Attorney) requires witnesses, you should include them as advised by the beneficiary.

Witnesses do not need to be physically present at the Consulate, except for executing inheritance wills or wish documents.

Generally, you need to bring the original document along with a photocopy of it, two passport-sized photographs, and your original valid National Identity card.

You may process your Pakistani ID card (CNIC/NICOP) for renewal, and we will attest your documents simultaneously.