Power of Attorney in Pakistan: Types, Registration & Risks (2026 Guide)
A Power of Attorney (POA), commonly known as a Mukhtar Nama, is a legal instrument through which one person, known as the Principal, authorises another person, known as the Attorney or Agent, to act on their behalf within the authority granted in the document.
Power of Attorney is commonly used in Pakistan for property transactions, litigation, banking, business matters and other legal or administrative affairs. It is also particularly useful for overseas Pakistanis who cannot personally attend every transaction or proceeding in Pakistan.
Because a POA can give another person significant authority, its wording, execution, authentication, registration and revocation should be handled carefully.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney does not generally transfer ownership of property merely because it authorises someone to deal with that property. Instead, it gives the attorney authority to perform specified acts on behalf of the principal.
The extent of the attorney’s authority depends primarily on the language and scope of the POA. A broadly drafted General Power of Attorney can therefore create considerably greater risk than a carefully limited Special Power of Attorney.
Types of Power of Attorney in Pakistan
| Type | Common Urdu Term | Scope | Typical Use | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Power of Attorney (GPA) | Mukhtar Nama Aam | Broad authority over specified categories of affairs | Managing multiple matters or properties | Higher |
| Special/Specific Power of Attorney (SPA) | Mukhtar Nama Khas | Authority limited to a particular transaction or purpose | Sale of a particular property or handling a specific case | Generally lower |
| Vakalatnama | وکالت نامہ | Authority relating to legal representation | Engaging a lawyer in litigation | Depends on its terms |
| Sub-Power or Delegated Authority | Where applicable | Authority delegated by an attorney to another person | Where the original authority legally permits further delegation | Depends on the original POA |
Practical recommendation: Where the purpose is limited, a carefully drafted Special Power of Attorney is generally safer than giving broad general authority.
