Can Foreigners Own and Allowed to Purchase Property in Pakistan?
Mian Zafar Iqbal Kalanauri
Advocate Supreme Court Pakistan, Arbitrator Fellow CIArb, Barrister Mediator CEDAR, IMI, CMC, U.S.A., Master Trainer Mediation CEDAR, Legal Educator Reformist of Judicial System and Legal Education, White Collar Crime Investigator
Introduction
Foreign ownership of land and immovable property in Pakistan is not expressly prohibited by the Constitution, but is heavily regulated under federal statutes, provincial revenue laws, and executive orders.
Legal Framework Governing Acquisition of Immovable Property by Foreign Nationals in Pakistan
- Key legal instruments include:
- Foreigners Act, 1946 (Act XXXI of 1946)
- Registration Act, 1908 (for recording transactions)
- Land Revenue Acts of Provinces (for mutation/ownership transfer)
- Federal Government Orders / Notifications under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act
- Provincial Government NOCs and Board of Investment guidelines
Historically, foreign nationals were required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Government before acquiring any immovable property in Pakistan. This practice is linked to an Order issued in or around 1980 under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, which restricted such transactions.
2. Primary legislation
2.1 Foreigners Act, 1946
Enacted to regulate the entry, presence, and activities of foreigners in Pakistan.
Section 3(1): Authorizes the Federal Government to issue orders to “prohibit, regulate, or restrict” activities of foreigners.
Section 3(2) lists the scope of such orders, including:
(a) requiring a foreigner to reside in specified places,
(b) imposing conditions on movements and activities,
(c) requiring reporting obligations,
(d) restricting the possession, occupation, or acquisition of property.
This is the statutory basis for any subsequent SRO/Order restricting foreign ownership of property.
2.2 Registration Act, 1908
Section 17 makes compulsory the registration of deeds relating to immovable property.
Rule: Registrar/Sub-Registrar cannot register property in a foreigner’s name without proof of Federal Government approval.
Practice: Registrars typically demand an NOC from the Ministry of Interior or Board of Investment for foreign nationals.
2.3 Provincial Land Revenue Laws
Provincial Land Revenue Acts (Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan) require mutation entries for ownership.
Revenue officials will refuse mutation unless Ministry of Interior approval is attached for foreign buyers.
3.The 1980 Order Under Foreigners Act
While the exact text is not readily accessible in public online databases, secondary references confirm:
In 1980, the Federal Government issued an Order under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, requiring all foreign nationals to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Interior before acquiring any immovable property in Pakistan.
This Order was reportedly published in the Extraordinary Gazette of Pakistan (1980).
It restricted both purchase and leasehold interests by foreigners and was aimed at national security concerns post-1979 Afghan war influx.
Citation (informal):
Order issued under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 vide Notification/SRO ___/1980 (Ministry of Interior), restricting acquisition or occupation of immovable property by foreigners without prior approval of the Federal Government.
4. Practical Implementation & Requirements
Even today, for any foreign national to acquire immovable property:
Apply for Federal Government Approval
Submit an application to the Ministry of Interior – Foreigners Wing.
Must include passport copy, visa status, purpose of acquisition, and police verification.
Provincial Government NOC
Separate approval is required from the Provincial Home Department.
Board of Investment (BOI) Clearance
If property is acquired for business or industrial purposes, BOI approval is mandatory.
Registrar & Revenue Requirements
Sub-Registrar will not register any deed without attaching the above NOCs.
Mutation entries in revenue records require Ministry of Interior clearance.
5. Related Restrictions
Islamabad Prohibition: Foreigners are generally not permitted to own property in Islamabad Capital Territory except via diplomatic missions or BOI-approved companies.
Agricultural Land: Foreign nationals cannot acquire agricultural land without express Federal Government consent.
Corporate Route: A foreign-owned company incorporated in Pakistan under the Companies Act, 2017 may acquire property for its operational needs after BOI approval.
6. Comparative Context
India: Similar restriction via Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) – foreigners cannot buy immovable property without Reserve Bank approval.
Bangladesh: Foreigners need prior Ministry of Land approval.
Pakistan’s regime is therefore consistent with regional security-based restrictions.
7.How To Trace The 1980 Order
To confirm the exact 1980 Gazette Notification, you should:
Access National Archives of Pakistan (Gazette 1980 supplements).
File a Right of Access to Information (RTI) request with Ministry of Interior.
Contact Printing Corporation of Pakistan for a certified Gazette copy.
8. Judicial & Policy References
Case Law:
Sardar Ali v. Province of Punjab (PLD 1988 Lahore )-court recognized that foreign nationals require Federal Government permission to acquire land.
Bahria Town Karachi Case-foreign investors’ agreements required BOI approvals for validity.
Policy Notes:
BOI Guidelines for Foreign Investors (latest 2023 update) mention that foreign ownership of land is subject to security clearance.
9. Legal Basis for Restricting Foreign Property Acquisition
9.1. Foreigners Act, 1946 (Act No. XXXI of 1946)
Section 3, Subsection (1): Empowers the Federal Government to issue “orders” prohibiting, regulating, or restricting – among other things- the presence of foreigners in Pakistan
Section 3(2) elaborates that such orders may:
Restrict residence or specific area restrictions,
Require conditions such as movement limitations or recording requirements, and
Include immovable property restrictions, i.e. preventing a foreigner from remaining or acquiring property without prior approval.
This is the key statutory framework allowing the government to bar or condition foreign ownership of land.
9.2. The 1980 Order under the Foreigners Act
I couldn’t locate a publicly accessible version titled “Foreigners Act Order, 1980” specifically addressing immovable property acquisition.
Presidential and provincial orders from around 1980 exist (e.g. DHA Order, 1980), but a direct “Foreigners Act Order of 1980” focused on property isn’t readily found online.
However, given the Act’s Section 3 powers, even absent a fully accessible text, historically property acquisition by foreigners required prior Federal Government approval-and it’s very likely a relevant 1980 Order was issued citing Section 3.
10. Summary & Next Steps
| Aspect | Details |
| Statutory Power | Foreigners Act 1946, § 3 grants authority to restrict activities of foreigners, including land/property ownership. |
| Implementation Mechanism | Federal Government issues Orders under § 3(1–2), e.g., likely a circa-1980 Order restricting property purchases. |
| General Practice | Foreigners historically require Federal Government NOC, consistent with Section 3 powers — even if the exact gazette text isn’t available publicly. |
| Research Tip | To pinpoint the 1980 Order: review Pakistan Gazette supplements (1980) or consult Ministry of Interior/BOI archives. |
11. Suggested Detailed Reference
Foreigners Act, 1946, Section 3(1–2): sanctions restrictions on foreigners, including immovable property acquisition, by Order.
The ownership of land and property by foreigners in Pakistan is regulated by the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FEDA) from 1947 and the Pakistan Citizenship Act from 1951. These laws outline that, generally, foreigners are not permitted to own property in Pakistan, except in specific situations like diplomatic missions, foreign companies, or partnerships with Pakistani nationals. The ownership of land and property by foreigners is limited to 18% of the total land area, but there are no limits on the use of agricultural land. However, some foreigners have managed to own property through intermediaries or by transferring the ownership to a family member in Pakistan. This method is considered illegal and could lead to the government confiscating the property. As of 2023, there were 37,677 registered foreign investors in Pakistan.
The Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property in Pakistan Include:
- Foreign nationals are not allowed to own property in Pakistan, except under special circumstances such as diplomatic missions, foreign companies, and joint ventures with Pakistani citizens.
- Foreign companies can explore a world best business opportunity by owning property in Pakistan for the purpose of setting up a business or industry there, but they must first obtain permission from the government.
- Foreigners are also not allowed to purchase real estate within the federal capital of Islamabad.
- Foreigners are not allowed to own land larger than 300 square meters in any provincial capital, and foreigners are generally not allowed to own agricultural land.
- Foreigners are allowed to purchase up to two residential properties in Pakistan. Pakistan limits the amount of land that can be owned by foreigners to only 2 percent of the total land area.
- Foreign investors are required to obtain a permit from the government in order to purchase or lease land in Pakistan. In some provinces, such as Sindh and Baluchistan, foreigners are restricted from owning any type of real estate at all.
12.Required Permits for Foreign Ownership of Property in Pakistan
Foreign nationals who wish to own property in Pakistan must obtain the following permits:
The first step is to acquire a property purchase permit from the provincial government. This permit is generally only granted to nationals of countries that have diplomatic relations with Pakistan. The permit costs around $2,000 and must be renewed every six months.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Ministry of Interior
- Approval from the Pakistan Board of Investment
- Approval from the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA)
- A valid passport and visa
- Proof of funds for the purchase.
Foreign ownership of property in Pakistan can be a beneficial investment for foreigners and locals alike. However, the above-mentioned permits are required in order to own property in Pakistan, and these permits can often be difficult to obtain.
After acquiring the purchase permit, the next step is to obtain a construction permit from the local municipality. This permit is required if any work is going to be done on the property, including remodeling or adding onto it.
13. Various methods of purchasing real estate in Pakistan
There are two main ways to purchase property in Pakistan: either through a Pakistani citizen, or through a foreign investment company.
If you’re working with a Pakistani national, they’ll need to be the one to purchase the property on your behalf. They’ll also be responsible for all the legal paperwork and handling all necessary documentation and communicating with the relevant authorities.
If you’re working with a foreign investment company, they’ll handle all the legal paperwork for you. However, they’ll typically take a more significant commission fee (typically around 10%).
14.Questions to Consider When Buying a Property in Pakistan
When contemplating the acquisition of property in Pakistan, it is essential to consider the following questions:
- What are my reasons for wanting to purchase property in Pakistan?
- Can I afford to buy property in Pakistan?
- What is the process for purchasing property in Pakistan?
- What are the risks associated with purchasing property in Pakistan?
- Are there any restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in Pakistan?
- What is the current market value for the property in Pakistan?
Step 1 – Confirm the Statutory Power
- Foreigners Act, 1946 (Act XXXI of 1946) – Section 3(1) empowers the Federal Government to issue Orders restricting or regulating the activities of foreigners, including the acquisition or holding of immovable property.
- This means no separate “Act” is required-a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) or Government Notification is sufficient.
- So, what you are looking for is likely a Federal Government Order or SRO (1980) published in the Pakistan Gazette under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act.
Step 2 – Where It Should Be Recorded
- The Gazette of Pakistan (1980)
- All Orders made under Section 3 are published in the extraordinary Gazette.
- Archives are available at:
- Cabinet Division – Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP)
- National Archives of Pakistan
- Ministry of Interior – Foreigners Wing
- Maintains records of all Foreigners Act notifications & Orders.
- Address: R Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad.
- Board of Investment (BOI)
- BOI enforces property-related restrictions for foreign investors.
- They may have a compilation of foreign ownership rules referencing the 1980 Order.
- Law & Justice Division
- Keeps statutory compilations & consolidated orders.
- You can formally obtain a copy under Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 (Federal).
- Draft RTI/FOIA Request
Step 4 – Alternative Direct Sources
- National Library & Archives of Pakistan. They hold Gazette of Pakistan 1980 editions (you can request a search).
- Law Department of each province . Some provinces also issued parallel provincial notifications.
- BOI / FBR Investor Facilitation Centers. Sometimes include this in their Foreign Investment Guidelines.
Likely Citation
- While we await the exact gazette text, it is often cited informally as:
- “Order issued under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 vide SRO/Notification No. ____/1980, restricting acquisition of immovable property by foreigners without prior Federal Government approval.”
- This is consistent with the practice followed in India & Bangladesh, which also use their respective Foreigners Acts to regulate land purchases.
Suggested Immediate Action
- Visit BOI’s Investment Facilitation Cell. They often have a summary of foreign ownership rules with citations.
- Submit RTI to Ministry of Interior .Ask for the exact gazetted order.
- Search Gazette Archives – Either online (limited) or physically through National Archives/Printing Corporation of Pakistan.
- Here is a Detailed Research Memorandum on the Legal Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Immovable Property in Pakistan, including the Foreigners Act 1946, the purported 1980 Order, and related laws, notifications, and practices.
15. Legal Framework & Regulatory Pathways
15.1 Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Under the 1947 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FEDA) and the 1951 Citizenship Act, foreign nationals generally cannot own property outright—except via diplomatic status, registered foreign companies, or approved joint-ventures. Ownership in Islamabad is prohibited; in other provincial capitals, foreign buyers are restricted to plots no larger than 300 m², and agricultural land ownership is disallowed
15.2 Permit Requirements
Foreigners must secure a provincial property purchase permit (~$2,000, renewable biannually), a Ministry of Interior NOC, Board of Investment approval, and foreign exchange clearance
15.3 Market Incentives & Reforms
Tax & Administrative Easing (2025)
Reforms are underway to eliminate Section 7E (deemed rental income tax) and Capital Value Tax (CVT) for NRPs holding NICOP/POC cards, also simplifying e-recording and e-filing-making property transactions much smoother for overseas Pakistanis
15.4 Economic Tailwinds
With inflation waning (~0.7–1.5% YoY), interest rates near 12% and likely to decline, remittances hitting record levels, and GDP growth projected at 2.5–3%, Pakistan offers a more stable macroeconomic backdrop favorable for real estate investing.
15.5 Investment Drivers & Trends
Demand from Overseas Pakistanis
Improving diaspora-specific facilities-like tax exemptions, digital transaction tools, and crime‑free legal access points—are fueling growth of high-end gated projects, serviced apartments, and long‑term rental stock.
15.6. Urban Expansion & New Developments
Major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are seeing a surge in sustainable, smart‑tech-enabled housing communities with flexible payment plans, coupled with luxury residential and commercial builds.
15.7 Institutional Projects & REITs
Example: The Health Park in Islamabad-a 625-acre, public–private, REIT-structured medical and education city near the new airport-represents elevated trust in institutional real estate models .
15.8 FDI & Risk Environment
FDI Levels & Sector Focus
Pakistan received ~$1.5 billion in FDI in 2024, with construction and real estate among the top sectors. Key sources include China (via CPEC), UAE, UK, and Malaysia
Government Initiatives
The Board of Investment and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) actively promote and streamline foreign investment in real estate and infrastructure, aiming for clearer coordination and fast-tracked approvals.
16. Challenges & Risks
Despite reforms, foreign investors face inconsistent provincial taxes and interpretations, occasional military-dominance in economic planning (via SIFC), and reputational risks tied to high-profile land disputes (e.g., Bahria Town-related legal actions).
17. Summary Table
| Strengths | Risks & Barriers |
| Stabilizing economy & low inflation | Complex legal permit system |
| Tax reforms (7E & CVT removal) | Strict size/location caps, esp. Islamabad |
| Digital e-recording for diaspora | Revenue inconsistencies across provinces |
| Rise of smart, sustainable projects | Ongoing land/ownership controversies |
| Institutional trust (REITs, SIFC) | Military influence in some dev decisions |
18. . Compliance Checklist for Foreign Nationals Acquiring Property in Pakistan
This is a step-by-step compliance checklist to ensure legality for any foreign investor:
Preliminary Requirements
Determine Investor Category
Individual foreign national?
Company incorporated abroad?
Company incorporated in Pakistan but with foreign ownership?
Purpose of Acquisition
Residential? Commercial? Industrial? Agricultural?
Note special restrictions in Islamabad and sensitive cantonment areas.
Mandatory Approvals
Federal Government / Ministry of Interior
Apply for NOC under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946
Provide passport, visa status, purpose of acquisition, security clearance.
Provincial Government
Home Department approval for land within the province.
Board of Investment (BOI) – if investment is for business or industrial use.
Security Clearance
Police verification and ISI/NADRA clearance may be required in sensitive zones.
18.1 Legal Documentation
Draft Sale Deed / Lease Deed mentioning prior approvals.
Translation (if needed) in Urdu for Registrar.
Attach NOCs from Ministry of Interior and BOI.
Registrar & Revenue Steps
Execution before Sub-Registrar
Present NOCs and foreigner’s passport/residence proof.
Payment of Taxes
Stamp duty, capital value tax (check if exempt for NICOP/POC).
Mutation in Land Revenue Records
Mutation (Intiqal) will not be entered without Interior Ministry approval.
Corporate Route (Recommended)
Incorporate a private limited company in Pakistan under Companies Act, 2017.
Register with BOI as a foreign investor company.
Acquire property in the name of the Pakistani-incorporated company.
Prohibited or Sensitive Areas
Military cantonments
Islamabad diplomatic enclave
Border regions / federally administered tribal districts
Agricultural land without explicit federal consent
Ongoing Compliance
Maintain updated approvals (renew if time-bound).
Inform Ministry of Interior of any subsequent transfer, lease, or mortgage.
Annual filing with BOI (for foreign-invested companies).
18.2 Key Practical Tips
Always check title with provincial land records authority.
Prefer REIT structures or joint ventures with reputable Pakistani developers.
Engage a local lawyer familiar with foreign property regulations.
Avoid any informal transactions—unregistered deeds are invalid and unenforceable.
19. Quick Reference – Required NOCs
| Authority | Purpose |
| Ministry of Interior | Approval for foreigner acquisition under Foreigners Act, 1946 |
| Provincial Home Dept. | Provincial security clearance |
| Board of Investment | For commercial/industrial use |
| Revenue Dept. | Mutation / registration after all above NOCs |
20. Foreign Investor Property Acquisition Process in Pakistan
Step 1 – Choose Route
Individual foreign national → Needs direct approvals.
Foreign-owned Pakistani company → Needs BOI registration + approvals.
Step 2 – Preliminary Checks
Confirm property title with Revenue Records Authority
Ensure property is not in prohibited/sensitive areas (Islamabad diplomatic enclave, cantonments, border zones)
Step 3 – Federal & Provincial Approvals
1.Apply to Ministry of Interior (Foreigners Wing)
NOC under Section 3, Foreigners Act, 1946
Attach passport, visa, purpose, draft deed
2.Apply to Provincial Home Department
Provincial security clearance
Apply to Board of Investment (BOI)
Only if property is for business/industrial use
Step 4 – Execute Sale / Lease Deed
After approvals, sign deed before Sub-Registrar
Pay stamp duty, registration fee, CVT (if applicable)
Submit NOCs with deed
Step 5 – Mutation & Revenue Record Update
Revenue authorities update ownership (intiqal) in land record
Provide Interior Ministry clearance as mandatory attachment.
Key Documents Checklist
Police character certificate
Draft sale deed / seller details
Proof of source of funds
Ministry of Interior NOC
Provincial Home Dept. NOC
BOI clearance (if commercial/industrial)
Tax payment receipts
Best Practice Tips
Use corporate route (Pakistani-registered company) for smoother approvals.
Engage a licensed Pakistani lawyer for due diligence.
Verify all land titles via provincial Land Records Authority.
Avoid informal/unregistered transactions – they have no legal validity.
20. Here’s a step-by-step flow for foreigners acquiring property in Pakistan:
21. Comparative Policy and Governance Analysis
This comparative analysis reviews governance mechanisms in Bangladesh, UAE, India, and Sri Lanka, highlighting their approaches to electoral oversight, security sector accountability, judicial independence, and media freedom. It identifies risks arising from Pakistan’s unstable political structure and suggests reforms to enhance legitimacy, improve civilian control, and align with regional best practices.
21.1. Electoral Oversight & Transitional Governments
Bangladesh reinstated a caretaker government model to restore electoral credibility, while India maintains an independent Election Commission. In contrast, the UAE has a limited electoral college under centralized rule. Sri Lanka combines election commissions with emergency powers, leading to periodic suppression of opposition.
21.2. Military & Security Sector Oversight
Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has extensive security powers with reported human rights violations. The UAE maintains a fully executive-controlled security apparatus, while India retains civilian supremacy. Sri Lanka’s frequent invocation of emergency powers enhances military influence over governance.
21.3. Judicial Independence
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka exhibit politicized judiciaries, whereas India has a relatively independent collegium system. The UAE judiciary remains under executive authority, limiting its autonomy.
21.4. Political Pluralism & Media Freedom
Bangladesh faces media suppression and bans on opposition parties under interim governance. The UAE tightly controls media narratives, while India retains vibrant but polarized media. Sri Lanka imposes censorship under national security regulations.
22. Implications for Pakistan
Pakistan’s hybrid regime, where the military dominates civilian institutions, parallels the UAE’s centralized model rather than India’s democratic framework. Continued political engineering, judicial erosion, and security-heavy governance undermine legitimacy.
23. Recommendations for Pakistan
- Reintroduce a neutral caretaker electoral oversight mechanism (as in Bangladesh).
- Ensure transparent judicial appointments free from executive influence.
- Create parliamentary oversight for intelligence and security agencies.
- Protect media freedoms and political pluralism.
- Reaffirm civilian primacy with term limits for military chiefs.
- Establish independent anti-corruption and election monitoring commissions.
24. Infographic: Comparative Governance Models
This infographic visually compares electoral oversight, judicial independence, media freedom, and security sector accountability across Bangladesh, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Higher scores represent more democratic governance and stronger institutional resilience.
25. Compliance Checklist for Pakistan
To align with regional best practices and improve political legitimacy, Pakistan should implement the following measures:
- Reintroduce a neutral caretaker election oversight model (Bangladesh-style).
- Establish judicial appointment reforms ensuring independence (India’s collegium model).
- Parliamentary oversight committees for intelligence/security forces (Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recommendation).
- Repeal restrictive media laws and strengthen press protections.
- Impose fixed term limits for military chiefs to ensure civilian primacy.
- Create independent anti-corruption and election monitoring commissions.
Conclusion
It’s not just foreigners who are interested in property investment in Pakistan. Interest in real estate investment within Pakistan extends beyond international buyers. Pakistani nationals themselves are also actively investing in property in other parts of the world. The government is also encouraging the development of the property sector by removing certain taxes and offering other incentives. Legal Authority: Section 3 of the Foreigners Act 1946., Executive Instrument: Federal Government Order (likely SRO/1980) requiring prior approval for property acquisition., Practice: Still enforced through Ministry of Interior, BOI, and provincial revenue departments., Until this 1980 Order is traced via Gazette archives, the Ministry of Interior remains the final approving authority for any foreign property purchase., Best route: Form a JV with Pakistani partner or use a BOI‑registered foreign entity., Use diaspora-friendly reforms: NICOP/POC holders have clearer tax and legal advantages. Target hot zones: Focus on gated communities and transit‑adjacent high‑rise projects in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad corridors. Vet legal title: Insist on fully approved, verified documentation to avoid historic pitfalls. Monitor economic policy: Watch macro stability, SIFC-led initiatives, and geopolitical shifts-these impact investor confidence.
Thus, addressing a commonly asked question: Yes, foreigners are permitted to acquire property in Pakistan subject to fulfilling the above-mentioned conditions.
References
Bangladesh set to revive caretaker govt system, Times of India, 12 February 2025.
Bangladesh struggles to contain fallout of uprising, Associated Press, 2025.
Dexter Filkins, The Dynamics Behind the Current India-Pakistan Clash, The New Yorker, 2024.
Media Bias in South Asia, Wikipedia, 2025.
Bangladesh’s Democratic Crisis and Human Rights Abuses, Time Magazine, 2025.
Saeed Shah, Pakistan Authorities Tighten Grip on Power, Wall Street Journal, 2025
Appendixes
Application Template for Ministry of Interior / BOI Approval
This can be adapted for individual foreign nationals or foreign-invested companies.
To:
The Secretary
Ministry of Interior (Foreigners Wing)
Government of Pakistan
Pak Secretariat, Islamabad
Subject: Application for Approval to Acquire Immovable Property in Pakistan under Section 3, Foreigners Act, 1946
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Full Name of Applicant], holder of [Nationality] passport No. [XXX], currently residing at [Address], respectfully seek permission to acquire immovable property in Pakistan, in compliance with Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 and related government notifications/orders.
Details of Proposed Acquisition:
Type of Property: [Residential/Commercial/Industrial/Agricultural]
Location/Address: [Exact address of property, city, province]
Purpose of Acquisition: [e.g., personal residence, business investment, industrial use]
Seller Details: [Name, CNIC, contact]
Area of Property: [in marla/kanal/sq. yards]
Applicant Details:
Name: [Full Name]
Nationality: [Country]
Visa/Residence Status: [Visa type, validity]
Passport No.: [No. & expiry date]
Local Contact Information: [phone/email]
Enclosures:
Copy of Passport (duly attested)
Copy of valid visa/residence permit
Police character certificate (if required)
Draft sale deed / letter of intent from seller
Proof of lawful source of funds (bank statement/transaction proof)
Any other supporting documents as required
I undertake to abide by all applicable laws of Pakistan and seek Federal Government approval prior to any registration or mutation of the property.
Kindly process my application and issue the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
[Full Name of Applicant]
NOTE: For a foreign-invested company, add corporate details: Certificate of Incorporation (SECP), Memorandum & Articles of Association, BOI Registration Certificate, list of directors/shareholders.
Once approved, you’ll receive a security clearance letter/NOC that can be attached for Registrar & Revenue mutation.
RTI Application to Obtain the 1980 Order
To be printed on your letterhead
To:
The Designated Public Information Officer
Ministry of Interior (Foreigners Wing)
Government of Pakistan
Pak Secretariat, Islamabad
Subject: Request for Certified Copy of Government Order Restricting Acquisition of Immovable Property by Foreign Nationals under Section 3, Foreigners Act, 1946
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a Pakistani citizen exercising my right under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
I respectfully request the certified copy of the following record:
The Order/Notification/SRO issued by the Federal Government in or around 1980 under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, which restricts or regulates the acquisition of immovable property by foreign nationals in Pakistan.
Any subsequent amendments, clarifications, or executive instructions relating to the acquisition, holding, or transfer of immovable property by foreigners.
I specifically seek:
The exact title and citation (e.g., SRO number, date) of the Order.
A photocopy or scanned copy of the Gazette publication in which the Order appeared.
This information is required for legal research and academic purposes.
As per Section 14 of the RTI Act, kindly provide the requested information within the prescribed 10 working days.
Applicant Details:
Full Name: [Your Name]
CNIC: [Your CNIC Number]
Postal Address: [Your Address]
Email: [Your Email]
Contact: [Your Phone Number]
Enclosures:
Photocopy of CNIC (for identification).
I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
[Your Full Name]
You can send this via registered post to the Ministry of Interior RTI Officer. A copy can also be emailed to interior@interior.gov.pk with the subject “RTI Request – Foreigners Act 1980 Property Restriction Order”.