An apostille verifies the signatures and seals contained within a legal document whereas notarization witnesses and certifies the authenticity of signatures.
An apostille is a document that verifies that the signatures and seals contained within a document are legally valid and can be accepted as such internationally whereas notarization witnesses and certifies the authenticity of a document’s signatures.
The authority to validate a document’s legitimacy for an apostille is federally approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Pakistan. In nutshell, a notary is an individual that verifies the legal validity of a document’s signatures, an apostille is a document that guarantees the international validity of a document.
Both apostille and notary guarantee the legal validity of a signed document, an apostille and notarization are not the same procedures. The main difference between the two is that notarization ensures a document will be accepted as legally binding within Pakistan as long as it is notarized according to the governmental guidelines where the document is signed. On the other hand, an apostille guarantees that a document signed and notarized within Pakistan will be valid and accepted in any country participating in the Hague Convention of 1961.
Apostille Service of Documents
Apostille is a special certification that authenticates the public documents that are intended to be used in the countries that are parties to the Hague Convention 1961. It is issued by a designated authority in the country where the document is issued and is recognized by all other member countries of the convention.
Apostille is basically a certificate that is attached to the original documents by the competent authority in the country where the document is issued. The certificate confirms the authenticity of the signature, the identity of the individual signing the documents and the authenticity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document.
In Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is responsible for this procedure. The process of Apostille in Pakistan will commence in a few months after completion of necessary requirements and steps. Until then, normal legalization will continue as usual from the MOFA.
However, as a contracting state of the Convention, concerned authorities of Pakistan will now accept the Foreign Apostille Certificates issued by member states of the Convention without the requirement of their attestation from MOFA or Pakistani Embassies abroad.
Notarization Service of Documents
Notarization is a process of having a document verified and authentication by a licensed Notary Public, who witnesses and certifies the signatures on the document, thereby providing legal assurance and preventing fraud. A Notary Public is an authorized legal professional who is licensed by the government to witness and authenticate / verify the signatures on the documents.
The process involves the Notary Public to verify the identity of the person / individual who is singing the document and ensuring that the document is genuine. The Notary Public also makes sure that the person is singing the document voluntarily and is not under any pressure. After satisfaction, the Notary Public then add the official seal and their signatures, thereby certifying the authenticity of the document and that the individual who signed it is who they claim to be.
The types of documents that can be notarized in Pakistan can vary, but commonly the documents that are notarized include affidavits, power of attorneys and contracts. Notarization is typically required for documents that need to be used for legal or official purposes.
It is important to note that notarization is not the same as legalization as it is a separate procedure. Notarization simply certifies the authenticity of the document and the individual signing it, whereas, legalization is an additional step that is required for the use of documents internationally.
How ZA-LLP may help?
While the purpose of an apostille and notary services may seem similar, apostilles specifically function as a way of upholding an internationally recognized standard for document verification. Although the procedure for obtaining an apostille has different requirements than notarization, ZA-LLP can help you streamline the process by ensuring your documents are complete, valid, and ready to go.
Our Core Competencies
1
Collaborative Skillset
Collaborative lawyers trust the wisdom of the group; lone wolves and isolationists do not do any good anymore.
2
Emotional Intelligence
Distant, detached lawyers are relics of the 20th century, the market no longer wants a lawyer who is only half a person.
3
Technological Affinity
If you can not effectively and efficiently use e-communications, and mobile tech, you might as well just stay home.
4
Time Management
Virtually a substantial part of lawyers difficulties in this regard lie with their inability to prioritise their time.
What People Say About Us
Thank you for your email and the final draft. Indeed it is one of the finest drafts I have come across with. Certainly, your commitment level, eagerness to resolve, intellectual strength, attention to detail and legal expertise are commendable. Under your admirable guidance and direction, I have been able to maneuver with immense success and will reach fruition much earlier than anticipated. Thank you for being so supportive!
Yaser Shan ~ Toronto, Canada
Thank you again so much for this wonderful service. I just wanted you both to know, I spent weeks searching for a service in Pakistan like this, that could legally handle payroll for a Pakistani employee for a US based business and so far I am extremely happy with your organization's service and punctuality. Your service thus far is absolutely amazing and I know Sunita is grateful that we were able to find your organization to ensure her position at our company.
Prince E. Rich IV | CEO ~ Rich Technology Group LLC, USA
We are very happy with the work you have done. Its highly appreciated the professionalism and deep research by the team. Accept our deep gratitude! I do not know how to say Thank you to you and your team! It's a masterpiece you have created and we are very thankful for your help to assist in our social cause.
Imtiaz Makhani ~ Karachi, Pakistan
Thank you very much for your fantastic support, which has been absolutely invaluable throughout the process. We really enjoyed working with you and look forward to plenty more opportunities for shared projects into the future.
Dr. Albrecht Muser | KPMG ~ München, Germany
Working with all of you over the last years has been a pleasure and an honour! Your expertise, focus on customer service and professionalism make it possible for us to provide superior services to our clients and I am so grateful to you.
Maude Burger-Smith ~ Cape Town, South Africa
We are glad to inform you the receipt of current outstanding balance in our bank account from the disputed party. Therefore we request you to arrange to close the dispute case with them as per our management decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support and advice to solve this matter. It was pleasure working with you all.
Rahul Meppad ~ Dubai, UAE
Thank you for your support in this process and for your great hospitality. Your assistance has been of great importance. It was also important to see and experience the high quality of your services and your well known firm.
Magnus Greko ~ Sweden
Thank you for your support in this process. Your assistance has been invaluable. We are looking forward to a long lasting working relationship with you. Also, thank you for hospitality during these past days.
Lothar Geilen ~ Germany
Dear Atty. Iram Fatima: I would like to let you know that my wife came in USA last week. The U.S. Embassy Islamabad approved her visa petition in the lights of all the wonderful endeavors done by you and Mr. Birach. It was a long legal battle of about 7 years. I must say that your law firm is one of the best in the country and you are a highly professional advocate. Dr. Zafar should feel proud to have you in his crew. Finally, again I would say Thanks for all your legal services and I am your best reference.
Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
Dear Dr Zafar and Iram: Thank you very much for timely submission of the excellent opinion letter. It is very well drafted and covers the key points. We very much appreciate your excellent and timely work in preparing the legal opinion.
Mrs. Iqbal Farrukh ~ San Francisco, USA
Dear Attorney Iram Fatima: Thanks so much for all of your kind efforts in this area and I must admit that your legal firm is the best in the country.
Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
The efficiency and effectiveness of your services are much appreciated.
James Alexander Linton Williams ~ UK
We are complately satisfied with the e-communication and provided services. We would like to thank the whole team, and Ms Iram Fatima in particular, for your professionalism and the Due Diligence you carried out.
Elena Pavlova ~ France
Many thanks for this, and thank you for being so prompt. It is very appreciated.
Alex Gilchrist ~ Somerset, UK
Thank you again for handling my case so well, I am honoured to be represented by you.
Yolanda Slabbert ~ Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Thank you very much for your great attention to my case, I see that you're a very serious company and I'm happy that I've choose you.
Sergio Lujan ~ Bogota, Colombia
I really appreciate the help and support provided by Zafar and Associates to our company. I don’t know what to say or how to thank you, but to tell the truth your services are really the best legal services we have ever received. You are truly a professional and effective law firm.
Adnan Branbo ~ Dubai, UAE
Thank you very much for your contribution. We will review the information and incorporate it into the International Citation Manual of Washington University Global Studies Law Review. Your help is appreciated.
Naomi Levin ~ Washington, USA
I wanted to let you know that i got the documents. And i wanted to thank you and the whole team who worked on my case. You all did a good job thanks again.
Naima Ashraf ~ The Hague, Holland
Thank you very much for all the work you have done to ensure that the Death in Service benefit reaches the parents of the deceased. Are they expecting this money and do they understand where it is coming from? We appreciate your assistance and excellent work.
Susan Bauer ~ London, UK
I have no words to express my gratitude to you. People like you are very rare and I have the privilege to know one of those. May God shower all blessings on to you and your family. I am a small man with only prayers on my lips.
Dr. Haridev Bhargava ~ Saratoga, USA
I must say your handling of this matter has been totally sterling and I shall not have any hesitation in recommending you and your firm to others.
Rosina Ahmad ~ UK
Good morning, I received the documents back yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for your quick response to the job. We really appreciate it. Looking forward to working with you in the further.
Mrs. Jan Malcolm ~ Auckland, New Zealand
Thank you very much for the case. It is just brilliant! I am so grateful that you went out of your way to help me.”
Loraine Bhan ~ Suva, Fiji
I do appreciate highly the sense of commitment your office wishes to dedicate to the follow up of our question for information. I have transmitted the contents of your email IMMEDIATELY to the contact, together with confirmation of the highest esteem we attribute to the quality of the services rendered by ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES.
Paul Wouters ~ Istanbul, Turkey
Thank you very much for the information and good news. I know you’ve been working too hard and I appreciate every single minute working with you all. It’s an experience to be in the team of hardworking people and I am very proud to be included.
Evangeline Williams ~ Paphos, Cyprus
I would like to thank you for your swift and excellent service that your office recently provided us. I would definitely forward your contact information to my friends and family in reference to seeking legal matters in Pakistan. I would also inform Sean Hogan and his associates to pass on your contact information to any clients that may need assistance in the matters of law in Pakistan.
Zarar Khan ~ Miami, USA
We are greatly impressed with your firm and the professional calibre of the partners. If acceptable, we would like to keep your firm as a reference for future projects. Please let me know.
Tanaz Pardiwala ~ Barcelona, Spain
We are happy to inform you that we have received the original succession certificate via DHL. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts, especially Dr. Zafar, who was kind enough to handle the security deposit at the court. With our best wishes and success for the New Year, to you and your esteemed team, we remain with.
Mansur Asrar ~ Istanbul, Turkey
I am writing to convey to you how much I appreciate your prompt service! My mother called me today and informed me that 2 lawyers from your firm visited her. It is a pleasant surprise to know that such a law firm exists in our very own country. I would definitely recommend your firm to any friend who is in need of professional legal services in Pakistan.
Naveed Ahmad ~ USA
I am truly very impressed with the follow up of your law firm. I never thought a Pakistani firm would be so aggressive and pro-active. Do you even happen to come to NYC? If so, then please look me up here when you visit next.
Faisal Mumtaz ~ New York, USA
I want to thank you for all services you have rendered to us. I really appreciate it and hope on further cooperation.
Petrov Andrey ~ Moscow, Russia
With God's help you have done a great thing for our family. Thank you so much for your diligence and expertise. We are truly grateful to God for all that is possible now. We also are looking forward to meeting you and your staff when we arrive in Pakistan next month. Please let us know if there is anything we can bring for you from the United States as a gift.
Shaukat Minhas and Colleen Davidson ~ Dallas, USA
Your help in investigation case is well appreciated. My brother and I are ever grateful to you for obtaining the document. Thank you and god bless you and your practice team.
Kevin Lessani - Dallas - USA
I greatly appreciate that your law firm is very careful in its preparation of petitions. In fact, the outcome of a legal fight greatly depends on how effectively a law firm has presented its case. If it fails to conceive in advance as to what it will have to face in defense, it can not prepare an effective petition. I admire that ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP are very careful in their initial step i.e. to prepare petition, around which the whole legal battle is fought.
M. Iftikhar Sheikh ~ Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
