Legal Help · Published June 13, 2026
Affidavit in Pakistan: Types, Format and Legal Requirements
A sworn statement on stamp paper — simple in structure, but the wording and the attesting officer both matter.
Quick answer
An affidavit under the Oaths Act 1873 is typed on stamp paper, states the facts the deponent is swearing to, and is signed before an oath commissioner, notary public, or magistrate who attests it. Common types include Affidavit of Identity and Affidavit of Residence. Wakeel can generate a first draft based on the facts you need to swear to.
The framework, layer by layer
It's a sworn written statement, governed by the Oaths Act 1873
An affidavit is a written statement of facts, sworn or affirmed by the person making it (the deponent), typically used to formally place facts before a court or authority without the deponent appearing in person for every purpose.
Written on stamp paper, sworn before an oath commissioner
The affidavit is typed on stamp paper (the value depending on the subject matter), and the deponent signs it before an oath commissioner, notary public, or magistrate authorized under the Oaths Act 1873 to administer the oath and attest the document.
Common types you'll actually encounter
Affidavit of Identity (verifying who you are for government matters), Affidavit of Residence (confirming address for voter registration or school admission), and affidavits supporting court filings, property transactions, or NADRA/passport applications are among the most common.
The format is simple, but the content is what matters
A clear title ("Affidavit of [Name]"), a statement that the deponent is affirming voluntarily under oath, the specific facts being sworn to, and the date, place, and attesting officer's signature — false statements in a sworn affidavit carry their own legal consequences.
Generate your affidavit draft with Wakeel
Tell Wakeel what facts the affidavit needs to state and what it's for — identity verification, a court filing, a property matter, or an official application — and it can generate a first draft in the standard format, in plain English or Urdu. You'll still need to sign it in person before an authorized oath commissioner, notary, or magistrate, and it's worth having a lawyer confirm the exact wording your specific use case requires.
Oath commissioner or notary — the distinction that actually matters
A common point of confusion, addressed in detail in this comparison of oath commissioners and notaries in Pakistan, is that the two roles, while related, aren't always interchangeable for every purpose — some authorities or institutions specify which type of attestation they'll accept. Before finalizing an affidavit for a specific official purpose (a foreign embassy, a particular government department, a court), it's worth confirming which attesting authority that recipient actually requires, rather than assuming any attestation will do.
What Wakeel.org can help with
Generating a first draft of an affidavit in the standard format, based on the facts you need to state.
What it cannot do
It cannot administer the oath, attest the document, or confirm which attesting authority your specific use requires — that needs an oath commissioner, notary, or magistrate, and possibly a licensed advocate's guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of an affidavit in Pakistan?
An affidavit is typed on stamp paper, with a clear title identifying the deponent, a statement that the facts are being sworn voluntarily under oath, the specific facts, and the date and place — then signed before an oath commissioner, notary public, or magistrate who attests it.
Who can attest an affidavit in Pakistan?
An oath commissioner, notary public, or magistrate authorized under the Oaths Act 1873 can administer the oath and attest an affidavit — the specific requirement can depend on what the affidavit is being used for.
What are the common types of affidavits in Pakistan?
Affidavit of Identity (for government-related identity verification), Affidavit of Residence (for voter registration, school admission), and affidavits supporting court cases, property transactions, or official applications are among the most common types.
What happens if an affidavit contains false information?
Since an affidavit is a sworn statement, knowingly including false information in it carries its own legal consequences — it's treated more seriously than an ordinary unsworn statement precisely because it's made under oath.
Can Wakeel.org generate an affidavit for me?
Yes — describe what the affidavit needs to state and its purpose, and Wakeel can generate a first draft in the standard format. You'll still need to sign it before an authorized oath commissioner, notary, or magistrate, and a licensed advocate can confirm the specific wording needed for your particular use.
General educational information, not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
Sources — check these directly to verify
Need to prepare an affidavit?
Describe the facts, and let Wakeel put together a first draft — then sign it before an authorized attesting officer.