Legal Glossary

Affidavitحلف نامہ

A sworn written statement made under oath before a notary public or oath commissioner.

Arbitrationثالثی

A method of dispute resolution in which the parties agree to refer their dispute to a private arbitrator whose decision is binding.

Bailضمانت

The temporary release of an accused person pending trial, often subject to surety and conditions.

Custody (Hizanat)حضانت

The legal right to care for and raise a minor child, governed by Islamic and statutory family law principles.

Decreeڈگری

The formal expression of a court decision that conclusively determines the rights of the parties.

FIR (First Information Report)مقدمہ

The written report of a cognisable offence recorded by the police, initiating the criminal justice process.

Gift (Hiba)ہبہ

A voluntary transfer of property ownership from one person to another, made immediately and without monetary consideration.

Guardian and Wardسرپرست اور آسر

A legal relationship in which a guardian is appointed by the court to manage the person or property of a minor.

Habeas Corpusبمقام قید احضار

A constitutional writ requiring a detained person to be brought before the court to test the legality of their detention.

Khulaخلع

A form of divorce initiated by the wife through the family court under Pakistani law, typically by returning the dower (mahr).

Limitationحد بندی

The statutory time period within which a legal proceeding must be initiated, governed by the Limitation Act, 1908.

Mahrمہر

The dower or bridal gift that a husband is obliged to pay or agree to pay to the wife under Islamic law.

Mutationانتقال

The process of recording a change of ownership in the land revenue register following a sale, inheritance, or gift.

Plaintاستغاثہ

The written statement of a claim that begins a civil suit, setting out the facts and the relief sought.

Power of Attorneyمختار نامہ

A legal document authorising another person to act on your behalf in specified financial, legal, or property matters.

Review Petitionنظر ثانی درخواست

A petition asking the same court to reconsider its own final judgment on the ground of an error apparent on the record.

Stay Orderحکم امتناعی

A court order that temporarily halts a proceeding or action until a further decision is made.

Succession Certificateوراثت نامہ

A certificate issued by a civil court entitling the holder to collect debts and securities of a deceased person.

Summonsطلبی نامہ

A legal document issued by a court requiring a person to appear before it on a specified date.

Talaqطلاق

Divorce effected by the husband through pronouncement, subject to notice to the Arbitration Council under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance.

Vakalatnamaوکالت نامہ

A document by which a client authorises an advocate to represent them before a court or tribunal.

Will (Wasiyat)وصیت

A legal declaration by which a person disposes of their property, effective after their death, limited to one-third of the estate under Islamic law.

Writ Petitionرٹ درخواست

A petition to a High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution, seeking enforcement of fundamental rights or other legal relief.

Written Statementجواب دعوی

The defendant’s formal reply to a plaint, admitting or denying each allegation.