General Power of Attorney Draft

⚖️ What Is a General Power of Attorney (GPA) in Pakistan?

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is a powerful legal document that can either empower you or, if misused, cause serious legal risks. Unlike a Special Power of Attorney, which is restricted to specific acts, a GPA gives broad authority to another person to manage your affairs.

✅ Scope – The Wide Powers of GPA

A GPA covers multiple important areas, including:

Managing property (sale, purchase, lease, mortgage, rent collection, etc.)
Operating bank accounts and handling financial transactions
Representing the principal in courts, tribunals, or government offices
Handling business transactions and signing agreements on your behalf

👉 Positive Side: It saves you time, effort, and stress when you can’t be physically present.
👉 Negative Side: If given to the wrong person, it can lead to fraud, misuse, or even loss of property.

⚡ Authority – Binding Legal Power

Whatever lawful acts your Attorney/Agent performs under a valid GPA are legally binding on you, the Principal/Donor.
This is a high-impact advantage, but also a potential risk if the wrong powers are granted without safeguards.

📝 Form – How a GPA Is Made

Must be in written form, clearly signed by the Principal
Should be attested by at least two witnesses
For property matters, registration is compulsory

💰 Stamp Duty & Registration

Must be executed on stamp paper as per the Stamp Act, 1899
Registration is mandatory if the GPA relates to the transfer of immovable property (Section 17, Registration Act, 1908)
For real estate matters, it must also be attested by the Sub-Registrar

🌍 Foreign-Executed GPA

If signed abroad, it must be:

Notarized by a Notary Public
Attested by the Pakistani Embassy/Consulate
Registered in Pakistan with the concerned Sub-Registrar

🚨 Key Takeaway

A General Power of Attorney is a convenient and cost-effective solution for managing property, finances, and legal matters. However, it can also become a dangerous legal trap if misused. Always:

✅ Choose your Attorney wisely
✅ Clearly define the scope of powers
✅ Get it properly registered and attested

With the right precautions, a GPA can be your strongest legal safeguard — but without care, it can turn into your biggest liability.

(General Power Of Attorney Draft)

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

This Deed of General Power of Attorney is made on this ___ day of ________, 20, at __________ (City), Pakistan.

BETWEEN

Mr./Mrs. _____________________, son/daughter/wife of _____________________,
Resident of _____________________,
Holder of CNIC No. _____________________,
(hereinafter called the “Principal/Donor”)

AND

I, the Principal, hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint the Attorney as my true and lawful attorney to act for and on my behalf, to do and execute all or any of the lawful acts and things hereinafter mentioned.

Property Matters

Sell, lease, mortgage, or rent out the said house/property to any person and to execute, deliver, and register all necessary deeds, agreements, and instruments for the same.
Receive, acknowledge, and issue valid receipts for all monies, rents, sale proceeds, or other payments arising out of any such transaction concerning the said house/property.
Engage or appoint any legal practitioner to deal with disputes, claims, applications, objections, court proceedings, or any other matters relating to the said house/property or facilities connected thereto.
Sign, verify, and file any applications, petitions, affidavits, or other documents in relation to the said house/property before any court, tribunal, or authority.
Prosecute, defend, or settle any suit, complaint, or legal proceeding concerning the said house/property or the ownership, possession, or enjoyment thereof.
Do all lawful acts, deeds, and things necessary for the protection, management, and defense of the said house/property or for the enforcement of my rights relating thereto, as fully and effectually as I could do if personally present.
Pay all lawful dues, charges, or taxes payable by me to any government authority, municipal body, or other entity in respect of the said house/property, and likewise, to receive and accept any amounts lawfully payable to me in relation thereto.
Generally, to act and represent me in all matters relating to the said house/property in Pakistan, and I hereby agree to ratify and confirm all lawful acts, deeds, and things done by my Attorney under this authority as if the same had been done by me personally.

Financial Matters

Operate, manage, and close bank accounts (current, savings, fixed deposits, or any other accounts) held in my name with any bank or financial institution.
Deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds by cash, cheque, draft, pay order, online banking, or any other lawful mode.
Issue, endorse, or cancel cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, and negotiable instruments in my name.
Apply for, obtain, or surrender debit/credit cards, internet banking access, or cheque books in my name.
Borrow or repay loans, whether secured or unsecured, from banks, financial institutions, or private parties, and execute any related documents, guarantees, or securities.
Invest or reinvest money in shares, securities, government bonds, prize bonds, mutual funds, or other lawful investment schemes, and to collect dividends, interest, or profits thereon.
Collect and receive any pensions, salaries, insurance claims, provident fund, gratuity, or retirement benefits payable to me.
Pay all lawful dues, charges, taxes, and liabilities (including property tax, income tax, utility bills, loans, and other obligations) on my behalf.
Receive refunds, rebates, or compensation from any government department, utility company, bank, or private party.
Lease or rent out lockers in banks, operate the same, and withdraw or deposit valuables therein.
Generally perform all lawful financial transactions on my behalf, as fully and effectively as I myself could do if personally present.

Legal Representation

Appear, act, and represent me before all civil, criminal, revenue, family, rent, banking, labour, customs, taxation, and other courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial authorities throughout Pakistan.
File, sign, verify, pursue, and defend all kinds of plaints, written statements, petitions, appeals, revisions, reviews, affidavits, objections, replies, and all other pleadings or applications in any court or authority.
Engage, appoint, and remove advocates, legal practitioners, or agents, and to sign and execute all vakalatnamas, powers of attorney, or authorizations for such legal representatives.
Give evidence, produce witnesses, and submit documents on my behalf, and to cross-examine the witnesses of opponents in any proceeding.
Receive certified copies, decrees, orders, judgments, and notices from any court or authority, and to act upon them.
Submit, contest, and settle claims before tax authorities, municipal corporations, development authorities, housing societies, revenue offices, or any government/semi-government departments.
To file, institute, contest, defend, withdraw, and compromise any suit, appeal, writ, revision, review, petition, application or other legal proceeding of any nature whatsoever in any court or forum

Business Matters

To manage, operate, or conduct any business, firm, or company in which I have an interest.
To sign contracts, agreements, and correspondence relating thereto.

VALIDITY

This Power of Attorney shall remain in force until revoked by me in writing.

RATIFICATION

I hereby agree to ratify and confirm all lawful acts, deeds, and things done by my Attorney in pursuance of this Power of Attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF

I have set my hand on this ___ day of ________, 20.

Principal/Donor:                                                 Attorney/Donee:
Name: _____________________                                                                Name: _____________________
CNIC: _____________________                                                                  CNIC: _____________________

(Signature & Thumb Impression) (Signature & Thumb Impression)

WITNESSES: 1 WITNESSES: 2

Name: ___________________ Name: ___________________
CNIC: ___________________ CNIC: ____________________

Mob #
Address: ________________ Address: ________________

(Signature & Thumb Impression) (Signature & Thumb Impression)