How to Attest a Khula Paper from the Pakistan Embassy – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
For many Pakistani women living abroad, going through a Khula (Islamic divorce) is a life-changing legal process that ends a difficult marital relationship through court procedures. However, once the Khula procedure in Pakistan, many women face another challenge—how to get the Khula paper attested from the Pakistan embassy so that it is recognized in their country of residence.
Whether you are in UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Canada, or anywhere else, embassy attestation is important for various legal matters like changing marital status, remarrying, applying for residency, or even child custody proceedings. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to complete this process step by step, with clarity and legal accuracy.
Understand What a Khula Document Is and Why It Needs Attestation
A Khula decree is a divorce paper issued by a Family Court in Pakistan, confirming that a woman has legally separated from her husband under Islamic and Pakistani law. While this document is legally valid in Pakistan, foreign countries often require embassy attestation to verify that the document is authentic and has not been forged or altered.
Embassy attestation is especially necessary when:
- You want to remarry abroad
- You need to update your marital status with foreign authorities
- You are involved in custody or property issues abroad
- You are applying for immigration or residency as a single/divorced person
Ensure the Khula Decree Is Complete and Final
Before starting the attestation process, make sure that your Khula document is final and properly issued. The original decree must be:
- Issued by a civil family judge in a Pakistani court
- Stamped and signed by the judge
- Contain both parties’ names, CNIC numbers, and details
- Mention the date when the decree was passed
If you have also obtained a computerized Divorce Certificate from the Union Council, keep that with you too. Although it is not always required, it strengthens the documentation.
Get the Khula Document Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Pakistan
The Pakistan Embassy abroad cannot attest to your Khula decree unless it has already been attested by MOFA. This step is compulsory.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the nearest Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) office in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi
- Submit the original Khula decree and photocopies
- Provide your CNIC/NICOP and possibly copyright copies
- Pay the MOFA attestation fee (normally very affordable)
- Collect the attested document, usually on the same or next working day
Note: If you are already living abroad, a relative or legal representative in Pakistan can get the MOFA attestation done on your behalf with an authorization letter.
Submit the MOFA-Attested Khula Decree to the Pakistan Embassy Abroad
After the document has been attested by MOFA, an unmarried certificate in Pakistan you need to submit it to the Pakistan Embassy or Consulate in the country you’re currently living in. The embassy will verify the MOFA seal and provide its own official stamp and signature.
Here’s what you generally need to do:
- Book an appointment (if required) through the embassy’s online portal or helpline
- Visit the embassy with the original Khula decree (MOFA-attested), your CNIC/NICOP, and copyright
- Fill in the attestation form provided by the embassy
- Pay the attestation fee, which varies depending on your location
- Submit all documents at the consular services counter
- Collect the attested documents (often on the same day or within 2–3 working days)
Optional but recommended: Take 2–3 extra photocopies of your Khula paper and copyright in case they are required.
Special Notes for Women Living Abroad
- In UAE or Saudi Arabia, the embassy or consulate may require the attested document for updating your marital status in Iqama records or for remarriage registration.
- In Europe or North America, you may need the attested paper copyright applications, immigration interviews, or child custody legalities.
- If the document is to be submitted to local authorities, you may need a certified translation into English or the local language (such as Arabic, German, French, etc.)
What to Do If You Can't Travel to Pakistan for MOFA Attestation
If you are abroad and cannot go to Pakistan personally, you can:
- Authorize a lawyer or close family member to do it for you
- Send a notarized authorization letter along with a copy of your CNIC/copyright
- They can get the document attested from MOFA and courier it back to you
- Then you can proceed with embassy attestation in your resident country
Final Step: Keep Records Safe and Use the Document Properly
Once attested, your Khula paper will have:
- The original court signature and seal
- The MOFA attestation sticker or stamp
- The Pakistan embassy’s stamp and signature confirming final verification
Always keep both digital and hard copies safely stored. You may need to present it to:
- Immigration authorities
- Legal or family courts abroad
- Consulates copyright applications
- Marriage registration offices (in case of remarriage)
Final Thoughts
Getting a Khula paper attested from the Pakistan embassy and apostille in Pakistan is a vital legal step for Muslim women living overseas who have gone through divorce. The process may seem complicated at first, but if you follow each step carefully—from getting the court decree to MOFA attestation and finally embassy verification—you can complete it smoothly and confidently.
Whether you're planning to remarry, update your civil status, or need proof of divorce for any legal purpose, embassy attestation ensures your Khula is accepted internationally. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified family lawyer or embassy support officer.