A power of attorney (POA) lets someone act for you in Pakistan while you're abroad. Used correctly it's essential; used carelessly it's dangerous. Here's how to do it safely for construction.
What is a power of attorney for construction?
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorises a trusted person to act on your behalf in Pakistan — signing contracts, supervising the site, making payments or dealing with a society office. For overseas Pakistanis, a limited (special) POA covering only construction tasks is far safer than a general POA that hands over broad control.
How do overseas Pakistanis make a power of attorney?
From abroad, you prepare the POA, sign it before the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate (attestation), then have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan and, where required, registered locally. Your appointed person can then act within the exact limits the document sets.
- Draft a special (limited) POA naming only construction powers.
- Sign and attest it at the Pakistani Embassy/Consulate in your country.
- Get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
- Register it locally if it involves property transactions.
- Give copies to your builder and society office as needed.
Should I give power of attorney to my builder?
Give a limited POA only, and keep money controls separate. A reputable builder can hold authority to supervise and approve site work, but major payments and any property transfer should stay with you or a close family member. Never give one person unlimited power over both the money and the property.
How do I stay protected?
- Use a limited/special POA, not a general one.
- State an expiry date and exact powers.
- Keep payment authority with yourself where possible.
- Pair it with milestone payments and remote monitoring.
A POA is one layer of safety. Combine it with a fixed-rate contract and progress tracking — see our overseas building guide.
