The firm advises on Pakistani citizenship and nationality, including dual nationality, renunciation, and the documentation that overseas Pakistanis need in order to deal with property, estates and litigation at home.
Much of this work is practical rather than contentious: getting a CNIC or NICOP issue resolved, ensuring a power of attorney is executed and attested so that it will actually be accepted, or correcting a record that is blocking a transaction. Where a decision must be challenged, it is done by constitutional petition.
What we do
- Pakistani citizenship, dual nationality and renunciation
- CNIC, NICOP and POC applications and corrections
- Visa, residence and work permit matters
- Powers of attorney for overseas Pakistanis, and attestation guidance
- Challenges to NADRA and immigration decisions by constitutional petition
- Exit control list and travel restriction matters
- Documentation and record corrections
How we work
Matters in this area are handled by senior counsel from first instruction to final order. We give a candid view of the merits at the outset — including where a claim is not worth running — and agree fees before work begins rather than after.
If your matter touches more than one of our practice areas, it will be dealt with by the same team rather than passed between departments.
Common Questions
Immigration & Nationality: frequently asked
How should an overseas Pakistani execute a power of attorney for use in Pakistan?
It must generally be executed before, and attested by, the Pakistani Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country of residence, and then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. We draft the instrument to cover the specific acts required and explain each attestation step, because an incorrectly attested power is routinely rejected.
What is a NICOP and who needs one?
A National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued by NADRA to Pakistanis living abroad and to dual nationals of Pakistani origin. It works as a national identity document and lets the holder enter Pakistan without a visa, which is why it is widely used by overseas families.
Does Pakistan allow dual nationality?
Yes, with a list of countries with which Pakistan has dual nationality arrangements, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia. Dual nationals keep their Pakistani citizenship, though holding foreign citizenship disqualifies a person from certain public offices, including membership of Parliament.
Can a foreign spouse get Pakistani citizenship?
A foreign woman married to a Pakistani citizen can apply for registration as a citizen under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. The position for foreign husbands has been more restrictive and has been the subject of litigation. Each case turns on the applicant's nationality, residence and documents, so advice should be taken before applying.
Can I renounce Pakistani citizenship?
Yes. Renunciation is made by declaration to the Ministry of Interior, usually because the other country of nationality requires it. Once accepted, it can affect the right to hold property in certain ways and the ability to use a NICOP, so the consequences should be understood before filing.
Enquiries
Discuss a immigration & nationality matter.
An initial consultation carries no obligation, and we will tell you plainly whether the firm is the right one for the matter.