Inheritance & wills in Pakistan

The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1962 applies classical Sunni faraid to Muslim citizens. The Succession Act 1925 governs procedural aspects (succession certificates, letters of administration).

A wasiyyah is binding up to one-third for non-heirs. It must be in writing, signed, and ideally witnessed by two adults. Stamp duty applies for registration.

Wills may be registered (optional) with the Sub-Registrar of Assurances under the Registration Act 1908. Registration creates a strong presumption of authenticity.

Civil law accepts any two adult witnesses; Islamic best practice prefers two adult Muslim witnesses of integrity.

Collecting authority

FBR (Federal Board of Revenue)

Tax relief

Zakat paid is allowed as deduction

Maximum relief

Actual amount paid

Notes

Zakat deducted at source on savings accounts

Statutory Wajib Wasiyyah was NOT adopted in Pakistan — orphaned grandchildren are excluded under classical Hanafi unless the deceased explicitly bequeathed up to 1/3 to them.

Heirs apply for a succession certificate at the District Court for movables, and obtain Letters of Administration for immovable property. NADRA issues a heir certificate (Wirasat-Nama) which most banks now accept.

The Council of Islamic Ideology has periodically debated codifying mandatory bequests for orphaned grandchildren but no statute has passed.

• Multiple wives — separate inheritance shares per spouse must be calculated together (1/8 jointly, then divided).
• Daughters’ share of agricultural land continues to be disputed in tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — court orders may be needed.

• NADRA Inheritance Certificate
• Punjab Sub-Registrar of Assurances

• Is Islamic inheritance (faraid) legally recognised in Pakistan?

  The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1962 applies classical Sunni faraid to Muslim citizens. The Succession Act 1925 governs procedural aspects (succession certificates, letters of administration).

• What makes an Islamic will (Wasiyyah) legally valid in Pakistan?

  A wasiyyah is binding up to one-third for non-heirs. It must be in writing, signed, and ideally witnessed by two adults. Stamp duty applies for registration.

• Where do I register my will in Pakistan?

  Wills may be registered (optional) with the Sub-Registrar of Assurances under the Registration Act 1908. Registration creates a strong presumption of authenticity.

• Does Pakistan have forced-heirship rules that override an Islamic will?

  Statutory Wajib Wasiyyah was NOT adopted in Pakistan — orphaned grandchildren are excluded under classical Hanafi unless the deceased explicitly bequeathed up to 1/3 to them.

• How does probate work in Pakistan?

  Heirs apply for a succession certificate at the District Court for movables, and obtain Letters of Administration for immovable property. NADRA issues a heir certificate (Wirasat-Nama) which most banks now accept.

• How many witnesses do I need for a will in Pakistan?

  Civil law accepts any two adult witnesses; Islamic best practice prefers two adult Muslim witnesses of integrity.

• What are the most common Islamic-will pitfalls in Pakistan?

  Multiple wives — separate inheritance shares per spouse must be calculated together (1/8 jointly, then divided). Daughters’ share of agricultural land continues to be disputed in tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — court orders may be needed.