A power of attorney (POA) allows one person to act on behalf of another. It is used every day in Pakistan, especially by overseas Pakistanis who need a family member to manage property, bank matters or paperwork. Because a POA can give someone significant control over your affairs, it must be drafted and used carefully.
Key terms
- Principal (executant): the person who grants the power.
- Attorney (agent): the person authorised to act.
Types of power of attorney
General power of attorney
Gives the attorney broad authority to act on the principal’s behalf in many matters, such as managing property, banking, signing documents and dealing with government offices.
Special power of attorney
Authorises the attorney to perform specific acts only, for example selling one particular plot, collecting rent from one property or representing the principal in one matter.
Wherever possible, a special POA is safer because it limits the attorney’s authority to what is actually needed.
Common uses
- Sale, purchase or transfer of property.
- Collecting rent and managing tenants.
- Dealing with banks.
- Representation before government departments.
- Handling court cases through a counsel, together with the appropriate authorisation.
How to execute a POA in Pakistan
- Draft the POA clearly describing the principal, attorney and the powers granted.
- Execute it on stamp paper of the correct value.
- Sign before witnesses and have it attested as required.
- Where the POA relates to immovable property, register it with the sub-registrar as required by law.
Executing a POA from abroad
Overseas Pakistanis usually execute a POA before the Pakistan embassy or consulate in their country of residence, or through the process accepted by the relevant authorities in Pakistan. Once received in Pakistan, the document may need further steps, such as payment of stamp duty and registration, before it can be used for property transactions. Always confirm the requirements with the office where the POA will be used.
Precautions to protect yourself
- Choose the attorney carefully. Grant power only to someone you trust completely.
- Limit the scope. Use a special POA for specific tasks rather than a broad general POA.
- Specify the property clearly. Include exact details of the property or account involved.
- Set conditions. For example, require that sale proceeds be paid into your own bank account.
- Keep copies and track how the POA is used.
- Revoke when no longer needed.
Revoking a power of attorney
A POA can generally be revoked by executing a revocation deed and informing the attorney and the relevant offices, such as the sub-registrar or bank. A registered POA should be revoked through the registration system as well.
Practical example: selling a plot from abroad
Imran lives in the United Kingdom and wants to sell a plot he owns in Gujrat. He asks his cousin to handle the sale. Rather than signing a broad general power of attorney, he executes a special power of attorney limited to selling that specific plot, describing it exactly, and requiring the sale proceeds to be deposited into his own bank account. He executes the POA through the Pakistan High Commission, sends it to Pakistan, and his cousin completes the further formalities required before the sale. The sale goes ahead smoothly, and Imran remains in control of the money.
What to include in a well-drafted POA
- Full details of the principal and attorney, including CNIC or NICOP numbers.
- Exact description of the property, account or matter.
- Specific acts the attorney may perform.
- Acts the attorney may not perform.
- Conditions, such as where sale proceeds must be deposited.
- Duration of the authority, if limited.
- Signatures of witnesses and attestation details.
Red flags to watch for
- Requests to sign a general POA when only one task is needed.
- Blank spaces in the document at the time of signing.
- Pressure to sign quickly without reading the document.
- POAs that allow the attorney to transfer property to themselves or their relatives without restriction.
Using a POA in property transactions
For property matters, offices typically check the original POA, its registration where required and the identity of the attorney. Some authorities may verify the POA with the principal. Keeping your contact details available and responding to verification requests helps the transaction proceed.
Expert tips
- Keep a register of every POA you have issued and to whom.
- Revoke old POAs that are no longer needed, and inform the relevant offices.
- Ask for regular updates and copies of documents signed by your attorney.
Key terms explained
- Principal: The person who grants authority through the power of attorney.
- Attorney: The person authorised to act on the principal’s behalf.
- Special POA: A power of attorney limited to specific acts.
- General POA: A power of attorney giving broad authority over many matters.
- Revocation deed: A document cancelling a power of attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Does a POA end when the principal dies?
Generally, an agency ends with the death of the principal, subject to specific legal exceptions. Legal advice should be taken in such cases.
Can an attorney sell my property without telling me?
If the POA authorises sale, the attorney may be able to do so. This is why the scope and conditions matter.
Is registration always required?
Registration requirements depend on the purpose, particularly for immovable property. We advise for your case.
Can you draft a POA for use in Pakistan if I live abroad?
Yes. We prepare the draft in the required format and explain how to execute it abroad.
Get your POA drafted correctly
We draft and review powers of attorney and guide you on execution and registration. See our affidavits and power of attorney service or WhatsApp us at +92 329 9554206.
How Tax & Law Hub can help
Our legal team at the District Courts, Gujrat, can:
- draft and send legal notices, and reply to notices you receive,
- prepare rent, sale, partnership and service agreements,
- draft affidavits and general or special powers of attorney,
- verify property documents and advise on civil matters.
Documents can be prepared online, with guidance on stamp paper, attestation and registration.
This article is general information about Pakistani tax, corporate and legal procedures and is not advice for your specific situation. Laws, rates and procedures change, especially through annual Finance Acts. Last reviewed: November 2026. For advice on your case, contact Tax & Law Hub.
