Power of Attorney Guide & Checklist
Understand general vs special power of attorney, required documents, and the attestation process for resident and overseas Pakistanis.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document authorising one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another (the principal) in specific legal or financial matters. In Pakistan, POAs are commonly used for property transactions, litigation representation, and banking matters - especially by overseas Pakistanis who need someone to act on their behalf back home.
General vs Special POA
- General POA: Broad authority to act on all matters - property, banking, litigation, business. Used when the principal needs full representation.
- Special POA: Limited to a specific task (e.g., selling one property, filing one court case). More common and safer for most situations.
Generate a POA checklist
Legal basis
The law this tool is built on
A power of attorney must be properly executed, stamped, attested and (often) registered.
Powers of Attorney Act, 1882
Creation and effect of a power of attorney.
Registration Act, 1908
Registration where it concerns immovable property.
Stamp Act, 1899
Stamp duty payable on the instrument.
Important. A general power for property dealings must usually be registered to be acted upon. This tool gives general information and an estimate or draft only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice specific to your matter, book a consultation.