Are you a Pakistani living in France, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, or anywhere else in the world? Do you need someone in Pakistan to sell your property, handle a court case, or manage your family matters — but cannot travel to Pakistan or your nearest Embassy?
The good news: you can now obtain a fully legal, Embassy-attested Power of Attorney (PoA) from the comfort of your home through NADRA's online PoA system.
As experienced lawyers in Peshawar and lawyers in Islamabad, Zia Law Firm provides comprehensive Power of Attorney services for overseas Pakistanis.
What Is the Online Power of Attorney System?
NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), in collaboration with Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), has launched an online, automated Power of Attorney service for Overseas Pakistanis. This eliminates the need to physically visit a Pakistan Embassy or Consulate abroad.
The system is centrally managed by NADRA in Pakistan and is accessible at:
Important: The Embassy of Pakistan, Paris has confirmed that both the manual (in-person) and online PoA systems are running in parallel. Overseas Pakistanis in France may choose either method.
Who Can Apply Online?
- Pakistani nationals living abroad holding a valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC
- Applicants who want to authorise someone in Pakistan to act on their behalf
- Note: Foreign nationals cannot use the online system — they must visit the Embassy in person with documents attested from their home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Documents Required for Online PoA
Before starting your online application, make sure you have the following:
- Valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC of the Applicant (Principal)
- Valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC of the Attorney (person you are giving authority to)
- Valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC of 2 Witnesses
- Valid email address
- Contact number and mailing address in the country where you are applying from
- Scanned copy of the Power of Attorney document (prepared in advance)
- Any supporting documents such as an affidavit (if applicable)
- Credit card or debit card for online fee payment
- Biometric device for fingerprint verification
Step-by-Step Process: How to Get an Online Power of Attorney
Prepare Your PoA Document
Before going online, you need a draft of the Power of Attorney document itself. This should clearly state:
- Your full name, CNIC/NICOP number, and address (as the Principal)
- The Attorney's full name, CNIC number, and address
- The exact powers being granted (be specific — general language can lead to legal disputes)
- Whether it is a General or Special PoA
- Any expiry date or conditions
It is strongly recommended to have a lawyer in Peshawar or lawyer in Islamabad help draft this document to ensure it meets all legal requirements.
Register on NADRA's POA Portal
Visit https://poa.nadra.gov.pk and create your account using your NICOP or CNIC number and email address.
Upload Documents
Upload the scanned copy of your PoA document and any required supporting documents (affidavit, property documents, etc.).
Biometric Verification
Provide your biometric data (best 4 fingerprints). You will need a compatible biometric device. The system captures fingerprint data digitally to verify your identity.
Witness Biometrics
Two witnesses must also provide their biometric verification (best 4 fingerprints) along with their valid identity documents.
Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable fee online using a credit or debit card. Fees vary depending on the type and scope of the PoA.
Processing and Attestation
NADRA centrally processes your application. The PoA is attested digitally and through the Embassy system.
Collection in Pakistan
Your Attorney or a family member in Pakistan receives or collects the attested document. If required for property matters, they will then register it with the local Sub-Registrar Office.
Embassy of Pakistan, Paris — Manual PoA Attestation
If you prefer the traditional in-person route, or if the online system is not suitable for your case, you can visit the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris for manual attestation. Both systems are operational simultaneously.
The manual process at the Embassy involves:
- Preparing the PoA on stamp paper
- Visiting the Embassy with your NICOP/passport, witnesses, and Attorney details
- Signing in the presence of Embassy officials
- Paying the Embassy attestation fee
- Sending the attested document to Pakistan by courier
After Getting the PoA — What Happens in Pakistan?
Once the attested PoA reaches Pakistan:
- For general matters: The Attorney can start acting immediately upon receiving the document
- For property transactions: The Attorney must register the PoA at the relevant Sub-Registrar Office before completing any sale or transfer
- For court matters: The PoA must be filed with the court. Under Article 95 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984, courts presume that a PoA authenticated by a Notary Public or Pakistan Embassy is valid
- For NADRA/government matters: The Attorney presents the PoA along with their CNIC at the relevant office
Legal Protection for Your PoA
Pakistan's courts provide strong protection for properly executed PoAs:
- The High Court of Sindh has held (in Adm. Suit No. 35 of 2008) that a PoA attested by a Pakistan Embassy is presumed valid, and questions about its validity require evidence — not a rejection at the outset
- Article 95 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984 creates a legal presumption that Embassy or Notary-attested PoAs are valid
- Good faith acts done under a PoA before revocation are protected under Section 3 of the Powers-of-Attorney Act, 1882
Useful Resources
- NADRA POA Portal — Online Power of Attorney
- Peshawar High Court – Official Website
- Islamabad High Court – Official Website
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Attestation Services
- National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
For related matters, you may also want to read our guides on Power of Attorney in Pakistan, property lawyers in Peshawar, and apostille services in Peshawar.
Final Word
The online Power of Attorney system is a game-changer for overseas Pakistanis. It eliminates the need for expensive travel, reduces paperwork, and provides a secure, legally valid document that can be used for property transactions, court matters, and other legal affairs in Pakistan.
Whether you are in France, the UAE, the UK, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, the NADRA online PoA portal makes it easier than ever to manage your affairs in Pakistan from abroad.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer in Peshawar, lawyer in Islamabad, or wherever your matter is being handled.
Need a Power of Attorney from Abroad?
Our specialist lawyers in Peshawar and lawyers in Islamabad are available for confidential consultations — in person, by phone, or online.
