Introduction

Many people often ask who is a notary in Pakistan and why their role is important. In simple words, a notary is a legal professional authorized by the government to verify, attest, and certify documents. Their work ensures that legal documents are authentic and trusted by courts, government bodies, and even international institutions. Without notaries, people would face difficulties in proving the authenticity of agreements, affidavits, contracts, and other legal paperwork.

In Pakistan, notaries are appointed under the Notaries Ordinance of 1961, which sets out their powers, duties, and responsibilities. If you want to understand the legal definition, functions, and appointment process of a notary in Pakistan, this article explains everything in detail.

Legal Definition of a Notary in Pakistan

Under the Notaries Ordinance, 1961, a notary is a person appointed by the federal or provincial government who is legally empowered to:

Verify and certify documents.
Administer oaths and affirmations.
Attest affidavits, contracts, and agreements.
Perform other duties assigned under the law.

This means that a notary acts as a neutral witness who ensures that documents are genuine, signed voluntarily, and legally valid. When people ask who is a notary, the simplest answer is: a government-appointed professional who authenticates legal paperwork for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Why Notaries Are Important in Pakistan

In a country where written agreements and documents play a major role in legal and business dealings, notaries hold great importance. Some key reasons why notaries matter include:

Preventing Fraud – By verifying signatures and identities, notaries reduce the chances of forged or fake documents.
Legal Trust – Documents attested by a notary carry legal credibility in courts and government offices.
International Use – Many foreign embassies and institutions require documents notarized in Pakistan before they are accepted abroad.
Business Transactions – Companies often rely on notarized documents for contracts, power of attorney, or property transfers.

In short, a notary acts as a safeguard for both individuals and organizations by adding legal authenticity to documents.

Main Duties of a Notary in Pakistan

When exploring who is a notary in Pakistan, it’s also important to understand their core responsibilities. The duties of a notary include:

Attestation of Documents

Notaries verify and attest a wide range of documents, including affidavits, contracts, property deeds, and agreements.

Administering Oaths and Affirmations

They have the power to administer oaths in legal matters, ensuring that individuals give statements truthfully.

Certification of Copies

A notary can certify that a photocopy of an original document is true and accurate. This is often needed for visas, property transfers, and educational purposes.

Preparing Legal Documents

In some cases, notaries also help in drafting legal documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and declarations.

Witnessing Signatures

Notaries serve as witnesses to signatures, ensuring that parties sign documents willingly and without pressure.

Handling Business and Property Matters

They play a role in property sales, lease agreements, and business contracts by verifying the authenticity of documents involved.

Powers of a Notary

The law provides notaries in Pakistan with specific powers, such as:

Administering oaths.
Attesting signatures and seals.
Verifying the identity of signatories.
Authenticating official documents for both local and international use.
Maintaining a register of notarized documents for legal records.

These powers make notaries trusted professionals whose attestation holds significant legal weight.

Appointment Process of a Notary in Pakistan

If someone wants to become a notary in Pakistan, they must go through a strict legal process. Here’s how the appointment process works:

Eligibility

The applicant must be an advocate (lawyer) with at least 10 years of legal practice experience.
In certain cases, a government officer with law-related experience may also be eligible.

Application

The candidate applies to the federal or provincial government, providing proof of qualifications, legal experience, and character.

Verification

The authorities verify the applicant’s legal standing, reputation, and professional background before approval.

Appointment Notification

If approved, the government issues an official notification in the Gazette of Pakistan, declaring the person as a notary.

License & Seal

The appointed notary receives a license, along with an official seal and stamp, which they use to authenticate documents.

This appointment process ensures that only qualified and experienced individuals are trusted with this important responsibility.

Who Regulates Notaries in Pakistan?

Notaries are regulated by the federal government and provincial law departments under the Notaries Ordinance, 1961. They must follow strict legal rules and can face penalties or cancellation of their license if they misuse their powers.

Courts and legal bodies also oversee notarial activities to ensure transparency and professionalism.

Difference Between a Notary and an Oath Commissioner

People often confuse notaries with oath commissioners. While both can administer oaths, there are clear differences:

Notary – Appointed by the government with broader powers, including attestation of international documents.
Oath Commissioner – Usually has limited powers, mainly focused on administering oaths within Pakistan.

Understanding this difference helps individuals choose the right professional for their legal needs.

How Much Do Notary Services Cost in Pakistan?

The fees charged by notaries in Pakistan vary depending on the type of document and service. For example:

Simple affidavit attestation may cost a few hundred rupees.
Property documents or power of attorney may cost more, depending on complexity.
International document attestation often carries higher fees.

The government sets guidelines for notary fees, but in practice, charges may vary from one city to another.

Conclusion

Now that we have explained who is a notary in Pakistan, it is clear that they are trusted legal professionals appointed by the government to verify, certify, and attest documents. Their role is vital in preventing fraud, maintaining legal credibility, and ensuring smooth business and personal transactions.

From administering oaths to authenticating documents for international use, notaries provide services that protect individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Their appointment process is strict, ensuring that only experienced and qualified professionals serve the public in this important capacity.

Whether you are signing a property deal, applying for a visa, or drafting an affidavit, a notary’s stamp of authenticity is often the final step that gives your document legal validity.