How to Revoke a Power of Attorney and Stop Misuse

How do I revoke a power of attorney from abroad?

1. 1

   Draft a revocation deed

   It identifies the original power of attorney by date, registration number and parties, and revokes it with immediate effect.

2. 2

   Attest it abroad

   Attest the revocation at a Pakistani mission or through NADRA's online system.

3. 3

   Register the revocation

   Register it with the sub-registrar office where the original power of attorney was registered.

4. 4

   Notify everyone in writing

   Send notice to the attorney, your banks, the housing society, the sub-registrar and anyone who dealt with the attorney.

5. 5

   Publish a notice

   Where appropriate, a newspaper notice warns buyers and others not to deal with the former attorney.

What if the attorney has already sold or transferred my property?

Acts done before the attorney and third parties have notice of the revocation can bind you, which is why speed matters. Where the attorney exceeded their authority or acted fraudulently, a civil suit can seek cancellation of the sale deed, recovery of the property or money, and an injunction against further dealings. A sale on a forged power of attorney is void. A criminal complaint for forgery or criminal breach of trust may run alongside.

How do I prevent misuse in the first place?

• •Prefer a specific power of attorney for one property and one purpose over a general one
• •Require that sale money is paid only into your own bank account
• •Set an expiry date or limit the powers to the task at hand
• •Ask for copies of every document signed under the power of attorney
• •Check the land and society record yourself periodically