A power of attorney for India can be signed before a Pakistani notary and apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or, for Indian citizens, attested at the High Commission in Islamabad where services are available. It is stamped in India within three months. If the principal is a Pakistani citizen, the power cannot be used to buy or sell immovable property unless the RBI has first given permission.
- Document route
- Pakistani notary and apostille, or Indian High Commission attestation where available
- Time difference
- IST is 30 minutes ahead of Pakistan all year
- Recognition
- Section 33, Registration Act 1908
- Authentication
- Indian mission, or notary plus apostille
Power of Attorney from Pakistan: how it works
We draft a narrow power for one job, such as representing you in a succession case, operating a bank account or defending a property suit, because a wide general power from Pakistan draws objections from sub-registrars and banks. We include the full details of the attorney holder in India, the property or account, and clear limits on what may be done. For Pakistani citizens we deliberately avoid giving powers to sell or mortgage property unless RBI permission is already in place.
After apostille, the original is couriered to India, where we arrange adjudication and stamp duty under the state stamp law and any authentication the local office requires. We then guide the attorney holder through the specific transaction or case, and keep you updated by WhatsApp. If the power is no longer needed, we prepare a deed of revocation so that it cannot be misused later.
What clients in Pakistan should know
- Use your CNIC or passport consistently across the power and the apostille, as Indian offices compare spellings closely.
- Attach a certified English translation if any part of the document is in Urdu.
- A power of attorney does not overcome FEMA: Pakistani citizens still need RBI permission for property transfers.
Step by step from Pakistan
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Pakistan, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Pakistan
Pakistani notary and apostille, or Indian High Commission attestation where available
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Pakistan where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Pakistan. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Power of Attorney, or see all services for clients in Pakistan and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Pakistan
Is a Pakistani notarised power of attorney valid in India?
It can be, once apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and stamped in India within three months. We confirm acceptance with the office where it will be used.
Can my brother in India sell my share using the power?
If you are a Pakistani citizen, a sale needs prior RBI permission first. The power alone is not enough.
How long does the apostille take in Pakistan?
Usually a few working days at the Ministry counters, depending on the city and the document.