Following the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates (Amendment) Act 2025, the process has become more flexible, granting equal authority to both NADRA and the Civil Courts.
- Procedure for Succession Certificate (طریقہ کار)
Whether you choose the administrative route via NADRA or the judicial route via the Civil Court, the core requirement remains the establishment of the legal heirs’ identity and the deceased’s assets.
- NADRA Route (انتظامی طریقہ کار)
NADRA provides a fast-track service for undisputed cases.
- Biometric Verification: All legal heirs must provide biometrics.
- Timeline: Usually completed within 15–30 days.
- Public Notice: A notice is published in newspapers to invite any objections.
- Civil Court Route (سول کورٹ کا طریقہ کار)
Under the latest amendments, there is no necessity to obtain a decline certificate from NADRA before filing in court. The Civil Court has concurrent jurisdiction.
- Direct Filing: Heirs can file a petition directly under the Succession Act 1925.
- Witness Evidence: Ideal for cases where heirs are abroad, minors are involved, or a dispute exists regarding shares.
- Order: The judge issues a decree after recording evidence and evaluating the Family Registration Certificate (FRC).
- Documents Required (ضروری دستاویزات)
To complete the Succession Certificate Application Form, the following documents are mandatory:
- Death Certificate of the deceased (Municipality/Union Council issued).
- CNIC copies of all legal heirs.
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC) from NADRA.
- Details of Assets: Bank statements, share certificates, or prize bond details.
- Public Advertisement: Copy of the newspaper notice (if applicable).
- Keywords for Legal Research (اہم قانونی اصطلاحات)
| English Keywords | Urdu Keywords |
| Succession Certificate | جانشینی سرٹیفکیٹ |
| Letter of Administration | لیٹر آف ایڈمنسٹریشن |
| Legal Heirs | قانونی ورثاء |
| Movable Property | منقولہ جائیداد |
| Concurrent Jurisdiction | برابر کا اختیار / ہم عصر دائرہ اختیار |
| Civil Court Petition | سول کورٹ کی درخواست |
| Decline Certificate | نادرا ریجیکشن لیٹر |
| Succession Act 1925 | سکسیشن ایکٹ 1925 |
- Frequently Asked Questions (اکثر پوچھے گئے سوالات)
Q: Can I go to court if one heir is in the UK and cannot give biometrics? Ans: Yes. Under the 2025 Amendment, you can move directly to the Civil Court. The court can dispense with physical presence through a power of attorney or video testimony.
Q: Is a NADRA rejection letter required for a court case? Ans: No. The recent law clarifies that the Civil Court and NADRA have equal jurisdiction. You can choose the court route from the beginning.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided by City Laws Associates for educational purposes. For specific legal advice regarding your inheritance case, please consult with our expert legal team.
