Legal Help · Published June 29, 2026
Property Power of Attorney in Pakistan
One legal document can authorise selling your entire property — here's how to use it safely, and how to take it back.
Quick answer
A power of attorney for property must be registered under Section 17 of the Registration Act 1908 to be legally effective. Choose a Special Power of Attorney — limited to one specific transaction — over a broad General Power of Attorney wherever possible, since it gives far less room for misuse. To cancel a POA, execute a registered revocation deed and notify the attorney-in-fact and relevant authorities directly — a revocation nobody knows about offers little real protection.
The framework, layer by layer
Two types, and the difference actually matters
A General Power of Attorney (GPA) gives broad authority — managing property, signing contracts, operating bank accounts. A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is limited to one specific act, like selling one named property. The narrower the scope, the less room there is for misuse.
Property POAs must be registered
Under Section 17 of the Registration Act 1908, a power of attorney relating to the sale, purchase, or transfer of immovable property must be registered — an unregistered property POA generally isn't legally recognized as sufficient authority for that transaction.
It can be cancelled — and cancellation should be made public
The person granting a POA (the principal) can revoke it at any time by executing a registered deed of revocation at the Sub-Registrar, and should also give written notice to the attorney and relevant authorities (banks, land offices) — a revocation nobody knows about doesn't protect you.
Specific is safer than general, especially for overseas Pakistanis
Because a General POA can authorise selling property outright, legal guidance consistently recommends using a Special POA limited to the minimum necessary authority wherever possible — particularly relevant for overseas Pakistanis who can't personally oversee a transaction.
Why overseas Pakistanis specifically need to get this right
A power of attorney is often the only practical way an overseas Pakistani can handle a property transaction back home — but that same convenience is exactly what makes it a common target for fraud, as detailed in guidance from The Lawyers. A broadly worded General POA given to a relative or agent can, in theory, be used to sell property the principal never intended to part with. Limiting the document to a Special POA for one named transaction — and setting a clear expiry or condition on it — closes most of that gap.
On the buying side, this cuts both ways: if you're purchasing property from someone acting under a POA rather than the owner directly, confirming that POA is registered, still valid, and hasn't been revoked is one of the most important checks in the entire transaction — and one of the most commonly skipped.
What Wakeel.org can help with
Explaining GPA vs SPA, registration requirements, and revocation, in plain English or Urdu.
What it cannot do
It cannot draft, register, or revoke a power of attorney, or verify a specific POA's validity — a licensed advocate should handle that.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a power of attorney for property in Pakistan?
Yes. Under Section 17 of the Registration Act 1908, a power of attorney authorising the sale, purchase, or transfer of immovable property must be registered to be legally effective for that transaction.
What's the difference between a General and Special Power of Attorney?
A General Power of Attorney gives broad authority over a wide range of matters, including managing property and signing contracts. A Special Power of Attorney is limited to one specific act or transaction — such as selling one named property — and is generally the safer, more limited option.
How do I cancel a power of attorney in Pakistan?
Execute a registered deed of revocation at the Sub-Registrar, and separately send written notice of the revocation to the attorney-in-fact and any relevant authorities (banks, land offices) who may still be relying on the original POA — some also publish notice in a newspaper for extra protection.
Can someone sell my property using a General Power of Attorney I gave them?
Potentially yes, if the GPA's wording authorises property sales — which is exactly why a Special Power of Attorney limited to a specific, named transaction is generally recommended over a broad General POA when property is involved.
Can Wakeel.org draft a power of attorney for me?
Wakeel.org can explain the difference between GPA and SPA and what registration generally requires. It cannot draft, register, or revoke a power of attorney on your behalf — a licensed advocate should handle that.
General educational information, not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
Setting up or checking a power of attorney?
Ask Wakeel how POAs generally work — then get a licensed advocate to draft, register, or verify it.