The right to obtain information from federal public bodies, the law governing Pakistani passports, whether electronic signatures are legally recognised, and when a succession certificate is required — every answer citing its Act.
These are the questions people hit when dealing with a government office rather than a court — what you may demand, what document you need, and whether something signed on a screen counts. Each answer names its Act and links the official text.
Do citizens have a legal right to obtain information from federal public bodies?
کیا شہری سرکاری اداروں سے معلومات حاصل کر سکتے ہیں؟ · Kya shehri sarkari idaron se maloomat hasil kar sakte hain?
Yes. Under Pakistan’s Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, every Pakistani citizen may request information or records held by federal public bodies, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law. This right implements Article 19A of the Constitution.
Under section 11:
- The request must be made in writing through the public body’s designated official.
- It may be submitted in person, by mail, fax, online, or email, where those facilities are available.
- It must adequately identify the requested information and provide complete contact and delivery details.
- The applicant cannot be required to explain why the information is requested.
Source: Right of Access to Information Act 2017, p. 1, 3, 7 ·
read the official text
Under which law are Pakistani passports issued and regulated?
پاکستانی پاسپورٹ کس قانون کے تحت جاری ہوتا ہے؟ · Pakistani passport kis qanoon ke tehat jari hota hai?
Pakistani passports are issued and regulated under the Passports Act, 1974 (Act No. XX of 1974), together with rules made under that Act. It applies throughout Pakistan and to Pakistani citizens wherever they may be.
Source: Passports Act 1974, p. 1, 2, 6 ·
read the official text
Are electronic signatures and electronic documents legally recognised in Pakistan?
کیا الیکٹرانک دستخط اور الیکٹرانک دستاویز قانونی ہیں؟ · Kya electronic dastakhat aur electronic dastaawez qanooni hain?
Yes. Electronic signatures and electronic documents are legally recognised throughout Pakistan under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002, including sections 3–7 on electronic forms, writing, originals, retention, and electronic signatures.
Additionally, under section 12 of the Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021:
- Legal document requirements may be satisfied when documents are available and retrievable electronically.
- Permits, licences, authorisations, and approvals may lawfully be issued electronically.
- Electronic identifiers used in the Pakistan Single Window may be treated as electronic signatures and admitted as evidence in legal forums within and outside Pakistan.
Source: Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002 — section 3-7, p. 1, 4 ·
read the official text
What is a succession certificate and when is it required?
وراثتی سرٹیفکیٹ کیا ہے اور کب ضروری ہوتا ہے؟ · Succession certificate kya hai aur kab zaroori hota hai?
A succession certificate is an official document issued to a deceased person’s legal heirs concerning the deceased’s movable property. Under the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020, the Authority may issue it according to the Family Registration Certificate maintained by the Authority, through its Succession Facilitation Unit.
It is required when successors need legally recognized authority to deal with movable assets—for example, to transfer shares registered in a deceased shareholder’s name. Under section 78, an application to transfer such shares must be supported by either:
- a succession certificate; or
- a lawful award specifying the successors’ respective shares and interests.
The Lahore High Court has explained that this is a substantive requirement that determines the heirs’ prima facie entitlement and protects the company from conflicting claims. Succession-certificate proceedings are summary and do not finally resolve complicated disputes over title or inheritance; those disputes may be decided through a regular civil suit.
Source: Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020, p. 1, 2 ·
read the official text
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