Child Adoption Procedure And Law In Pakistan
There is no specific law regarding the adoption of a child in Pakistan, simply a verbal consent or an adoptions deed is sufficient. However, to facilitate foreign nationals or those who are residing outside of Pakistan, the practice mentioned below is prevailing in Pakistan.
- Adopting a Baby
A medical report (Form ICA) has to be completed by a reputable doctor.
A report has to be written by the adoptive parents containing the following information:
- Name of child;
- Date of Birth of child;
- Place of Birth; and
- Name and Address of Terminating Parent;
- A statement detailing:
i. when adopting parents arrived in Pakistan (if they are foreigners or living in foreign);
ii. when the baby was given to them; and
iii. information given by the parents about the baby’s circumstances.
- Procedure
- Filing of Suit For Declaration And Termination Of Parental Rights
- Notice
- Submission of adoption deed or get hold of recorded consent of parents
- Final arguments & decree by the Court
- Filing for Guardianship (it is not necessary but favorable)
On receiving the abandonment/declaration certificate, adopting parents shall need to get legal custody of child by applying for guardianship of the child in a civil/ family court in Pakistan under the provisions of the Guardians and Wards Act 1890 (GWA). The procedure for such application is stated in section 10 of the GWA.
- Applying for B (Bay) or CRC Form
After getting a guardianship decree from the court, adopting parents will have to obtain a “B” form, also called CRC (Child Registration Certificate), from the offices of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and get a National Identity Card (NIC) number issued for the baby. Once adopting parents have received the “B” form with the NIC number they can apply and get a Pakistani passport made for the child. Parents who reside overseas can apply for a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) for their child.
