I often come across a question, especially from overseas Pakistanis, “What is a notary public?” If anyone ever needed documents attested for international use, immigration, education, or court purposes, they might already have heard of or dealt with a notary public attestation in Pakistan. Here I will try to break it down clearly.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a person authorized by the government to perform legal formalities like administering oaths, witnessing signatures, and verifying the authenticity of documents.
In Pakistan, a notary public acts as a neutral witness during document signing. It ensures that all parties understand the content and implications of the documents being signed and that they are indeed who they claim to be.
Who is a Notary Public in Pakistan?
In the Pakistani legal system, a notary public is officially appointed under the The Notaries Ordinance, 1961. Their role is to verify, attest, and notarize documents so they can be legally accepted both inside Pakistan and abroad. Notarization often serves as the first step before further document attestation in Pakistan, especially when a document is intended for use in immigration cases, foreign universities, or embassy submissions. Notary public in Pakistan is a link in the legal chain of document authentication.
Who is a Notary Public Under the Notaries Ordinance?
Under the Notaries Ordinance, a notary is person who must be a legal professional under the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973. These professionals are granted specific authority to carry out notarial acts including witnessing signatures, verifying documents, certifying translations, and administering oaths.
If you’re in need of notary public attestation in Pakistan for purposes such as visa processing, property transactions, or educational pursuits abroad, attestation of translated document such as Nikahnama translation, it must be obtained from a person who is officially recognized under this law.
What is Notary Public Attestation in Pakistan?
Notary public attestation refers to the process of verifying and stamping a document by a registered notary.
This proves the document’s authenticity and proper execution. Once notarized, the document gains legal credibility and becomes acceptable in courts, universities, embassies, and government offices both in Pakistan and internationally.
Who Can Perform Notary Attestation?
Only licensed and registered notary publics in Pakistan can legally perform notary attestations. These are legal practitioners with government authorization. However, the scope of Oath Commissioners in Pakistan is limited as compared to Notary Public, the major difference between oath commissioner and notary public is that that oath commissioner is only allowed to attest certain documents, particularly affidavits and their stamp do not authenticate a document to be used internationally.
What is an Instrument?
Under the Notaries Ordinance, an instrument is any document that creates, modifies, suspends, or cancels a legal right or obligation. This can range from a contract to a power of attorney. Section 2(a) of Notaries Ordinance defines instrument as;
“instrument” includes every document by which any right or liability is, or purports to be, created, transferred, modified, limited, extended, suspended, extinguished or recorded;
What is an Instrument in Daily Use?
From a practical perspective, an instrument is any legal paper that serves as proof of a transaction or relationship. These documents require notary attestation in Pakistan to be considered valid in courts and by foreign entities. Here are some everyday instruments:
- CNIC
- Driving License
- Affidavits
- Power of Attorney
- Rental and Lease Agreements
- Property Sale and Transfer Documents
- Marriage and Divorce Certificates
- Nikahnama/translated Nikahnama
- Birth and Death Certificates
- Degrees, Diplomas, and Transcripts
- Experience and Employment Letters
- Business Contracts and MOUs
- Sponsorship and Invitation Letters
- Declaration Forms and Undertakings
- Vehicle Transfer Agreements
Each of these may require notary public attestation before they are accepted by a court, government agency, or international institution. Each of these instruments can be notarized for local or international use, and this is where document notarization in Pakistan becomes essential.
Key Functions of a Notary Public in Pakistan
The key functions of a notary public in Pakistan include:
- Document verification and attestation
- Attesting financial and legal instruments
- Issuing protests for dishonoured bills
- Handling maritime and commercial documentation
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Drafting and attesting mercantile documents
- Certifying translations for international use
- Applying official seal and signature
Each of above functions supports the broader legal infrastructure and facilitates document attestation services in Pakistan.
Legal Assistance for Notarization
If you’re unsure about how to get a document notarized, legal assistance can save you time and prevent costly errors. At our law firm, we offer complete support for the notarization of agreements, academic credentials, property documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, nikahnama, translated documents and more. All you need is the original document or a copy thereof.
When is Notary Attestation Required in Pakistan?
You might need notary attestation in the following cases:
- Submitting educational documents to foreign universities
- Applying for immigration or visas
- Executing business agreements for international clients
- Real estate transactions involving overseas parties
- Verifying personal declarations or affidavits
- Registering your Pakistani marriage in foreign country.
- Applying for spousal visa.
- Applying for student/study visa.
Why Attestation of Documents is Essential in Pakistan?
In the legal world, a document without proper attestation is like a car without fuel. That’s why attestation of documents in Pakistan is a non-negotiable requirement for most legal, academic, and business processes.
Attestation of Educational Documents in Pakistan
For degrees and certificates, the standard process is:
- Notary Attestation
- Higher Education Commission (HEC) Attestation
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
Each layer adds an extra level of validation, which is often mandatory for international applications.
Nikah Nama Translation and Attestation
One of the most common requests we receive is for Nikah Nama translation and attestation. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Translation of Urdu Nikah Nama into English or any other required language. Usually by professional and certified translators.
- Get the translation notarized by a registered notary public in Pakistan
- This notarized document may additionally require MOFA attestation i.e., attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can a Notary Public Translate a Document?
A notary can translate a document and can also certify the accuracy of a translated document. Practically, now-a-days, translations are typically performed by certified translators and afterwards, a notary certifies that the translation process followed legal standards.
Certified vs Notarized Translation
Never mix certification with notarization, the difference is as follows;
- Certified Translation: A translator declares the document is a true and accurate translation.
- Notarized Translation: A notary certifies the legitimacy of the translation process.
Notary Services and Same-Day Document Delivery
Notary services are now available on the same-day delivery. Notary services in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and other major cities in Pakistan are available in various areas, with fast and compliant attestation.
Online Notary Attestation and Notary Services for Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Entities
Online notary attestation services are also bridging the distances. Document attestation services in Pakistan for foreign use is for overseas Pakistanis and foreign individuals or companies to get their documents notarized from within Pakistan. In this, scanned copy(s) of document(s) is shared for preliminary review. After online verification, the document is notarized and sent to in a soft copy or couriered in original form depending on the destination’s requirements. Common documents for this process include power of attorney, declarations, contracts, company registration papers.
Final Words
In today’s globalized world, the need for notary public services in Pakistan, especially for overseas Pakistanis, is more important than ever. Whether you need to notarize a Nikah Nama, attest a degree, or submit a power of attorney, a qualified notary public in Pakistan ensures your documents are recognized, trusted, and legally acceptable—anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does a notary public do in Pakistan, and when would I need one?
A notary public in Pakistan is a licensed legal professional authorized under the Notaries Ordinance to attest documents, witness signatures, administer oaths, and verify legal instruments including translated documents . You would typically need one when preparing documents for legal proceedings, visa applications, property matters, or for use abroad where authenticity is required.
How can I get my documents notarized in Pakistan for use in another country?
To notarize documents in Pakistan for international use, approach a licensed notary public for attestation. Once notarized, your documents may also require attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or the concerned foreign embassy.
Who is legally allowed to provide notary attestation services in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, only registered notary publics appointed under the Notaries Ordinance are authorized to perform notary attestations. They are empowered to verify, stamp, and certify legal documents for both domestic and international use.
What’s the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation in Pakistan?
A certified translation confirms the accuracy of the translated content. A notarized translation, however, involves a notary public verifying the execution of the translation. For legal or immigration use abroad, both certification and notarization are often required.
How do I translate and attest my Urdu Nikah Nama for use overseas?
To use your Urdu Nikah Nama abroad, it must first be translated into English by a legal translator. Then, the translation should be notarized by a notary public in Pakistan. If required, the document can be further attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or the relevant foreign consulate.
Which types of documents usually require notary public attestation in Pakistan?
Documents commonly requiring notary attestation include affidavits, powers of attorney, CNIC and driving license copies, property agreements, marriage/divorce certificates, educational degrees, business contracts, and sponsorship or declaration letters.
I live abroad—can I get my documents notarized online in Pakistan?
Yes, depending on the document, it can be reviewed and notarized remotely by a notary public in Pakistan.
What steps do I need to follow to get my educational certificates attested for a foreign university?
As per the requirement, you may begin by getting your educational certificates notarized by a licensed notary public in Pakistan. Next, have them attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Why do foreign embassies require notary attestation on Pakistani documents?
Foreign embassies require notary attestation to confirm the document’s authenticity, proper execution, and legal origin. Notary public attestation is often the first step before MOFA and embassy-level attestation, especially for documents related to immigration, property, marriage, or business.
