Death Certificate Attestation in Pakistan

Death Certificate Attestation in Pakistan. Why Required?

Death certificate attestation in Pakistan is required to verify the authenticity of a person’s death for both local and international legal purposes. Here’s a detailed explanation of why it is needed:

1. Legal Recognition

A death certificate issued by a local authority (like NADRA or the Union Council) must be attested to be legally valid for use in official matters — such as inheritance cases, insurance claims, and property transfers. Attestation confirms that the document is genuine and was issued by an authorized body.

2. International Use

When a death certificate is to be used outside Pakistan (for example, in UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, or Canada), foreign authorities require attestation to verify that the certificate is authentic and recognized by the Government of Pakistan.
It usually involves attestation from:

• MOFA Pakistan, and then
• The concerned Embassy of the country where it will be used.

3. Financial and Inheritance Matters

If the deceased had bank accounts, pensions, or assets in Pakistan or abroad, attested death certificates are required to:

• Claim bank balances or insurance.
• Transfer ownership of property or shares.
• Access pension or benefits of the deceased.

4. Visa, Immigration, and Consular Purposes

For family visa cancellation, death registration abroad, or claiming remains or compensation, embassies and immigration departments require death certificate attestation in Pakistan to ensure it’s legitimate.

5. Preventing Fraud

Attestation reduces the chances of forged or fake certificates being used for illegal purposes such as false inheritance or insurance claims.