Living abroad while managing property or legal matters in Pakistan often requires a dependable legal arrangement. The Power of Attorney (POA) serves this purpose by allowing overseas Pakistanis to authorize a trusted individual in Pakistan to manage transactions, register property, or represent them before Revenue Courts in Pakistan. Understanding this process ensures your property rights remain protected without frequent travel or legal complications.

Why Overseas Pakistanis Need a Power of Attorney

Thousands of Pakistanis working in the Gulf, the UK, and North America buy or inherit land back home every year. However, most property dealings require personal appearance before local Revenue Officers in Pakistan, registrars, or municipal departments. A properly executed POA bridges this distance by empowering your representative to complete essential tasks such as attending land mutation processes in Pakistan, verifying property records, and ensuring documentation with Patwari officials and Qanungo officers.

This authorization is especially useful when you’re buying a property and need representation in land property registry offices or during sale deed execution.

Types and Scope of Power of Attorney

Before preparing the POA, it’s important to define its scope. A General Power of Attorney grants your representative wide-ranging powers, while a Special Power of Attorney limits authority to a particular transaction, such as a single sale or transfer. In Pakistan, these categories correspond to entries maintained in the Register of Rights in Land Revenue, which determines ownership and tenancy status in official records.

When dealing with inherited land, a mutation of inheritance often requires the attorney to appear on your behalf to record the transfer of ownership. Therefore, defining clear boundaries within your POA protects you from future misuse.

Step-by-Step Power of Attorney Process for Overseas Pakistanis

Following are the step by step power of Attorney process

1. Drafting the Document
Start by drafting your POA precisely. Include full identification details (passport, CNIC/NICOP) and mention the property by its Khasra number and location. The document should clearly describe the powers granted and, if applicable, specify time limits. Remember to attach the required stamp duty for 2025 according to your province before submission.

2. Attestation Abroad
You must sign and attest your POA before the Pakistan Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Once attested, send the document to Pakistan for local verification and registration. The attestation ensures its acceptance before the Provincial Board of Revenue of Pakistan or relevant Sub-Registrar.

3. Registration in Pakistan
Your authorized agent must register the attested POA in Pakistan. This step legally validates the document for all property dealings, including ownership transfer and mutation. A registered POA allows your representative to update ownership details in the Jamabandi record and obtain certified Fard copies from the revenue office.

4. Post-Registration Responsibilities
After registration, your attorney can execute transactions or manage property matters. However, it’s crucial to verify all changes, as fraud and manual errors in property records still occur in traditional land record systems. Keep digital copies of all updated documents, and when required, verify them through provincial e-services.

Legal Validity and Risk Management

The Power of Attorney remains valid until revoked or until its stated expiry date. Always grant only specific and necessary powers, especially for property sale or transfer. For additional security, have your POA registered with the Board of Revenue of Pakistan and limit its authority to a single transaction. Regularly review your land mutation entries and Jamabandi updates to prevent unauthorized alterations.

Practical Insights for Overseas Property Buyers

A POA gives your attorney the right to act—but not ownership. Always ensure that all supporting documents such as sale deeds, mutation records, and Jamabandi extracts bear your name. If construction or renovation is involved, verify that municipal map approvals are obtained before building. Additionally, overseas owners can authorize their representatives to fulfill fiscal duties, including paying property tax online through official e-payment systems.

Conclusion

For overseas Pakistanis, the Power of Attorney simplifies property ownership and management across borders. When carefully drafted, properly attested, and duly registered, it becomes a secure legal bridge between you and your assets back home. By understanding Pakistan’s land revenue framework, verifying Jamabandi, and keeping your documentation updated, you can ensure that your rights remain protected while conducting transactions from abroad.