How to attest a power of attorney at the Embassy

A power of attorney executed abroad has no effect in Pakistan until it is attested by the Pakistani mission in your country and then re-attested in Pakistan.

The steps

1. Draft the power of attorney — preferably by a lawyer in Pakistan, so the wording matches what the society or sub-registry will accept.
2. Do not sign it in advance. You must sign before the consular officer.
3. Book an appointment at the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate covering your city.
4. Attend in person with your passport, CNIC or NICOP, passport photographs, and two witnesses if required.
5. Sign in the officer's presence. The mission attests the document.
6. Courier the attested original to Pakistan — the original, not a copy.

THE 120-DAY RULE ALMOST NOBODY KNOWS A power of attorney attested by a Pakistani mission abroad is valid for 120 days for the purpose of MOFA re-attestation in Pakistan. If your attorney does not complete MOFA attestation within that window, the document must be executed and attested again from the beginning. Send it to Pakistan immediately, and tell your attorney the deadline.

Requirements differ slightly between missions. Check the specific consulate's page before booking.