Legal Dictionary
Plain-language definitions of Pakistani legal terms — in English and Urdu
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A
Acquittal
بری کرنا
A formal finding by a court that the accused is not guilty of the charges brought against them. An acquittal results in the release of the accused and they cannot be retried for the same offence (double jeopardy).
Affidavit
حلفی بیان
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court proceedings or for official purposes. In Pakistan it must be sworn before a Magistrate or Oath Commissioner.
Anticipatory Bail
پیشگی ضمانت
Bail granted by a Sessions Court or High Court in anticipation of an arrest, before the accused is actually arrested. Applied for under Section 498 CrPC when a person apprehends arrest.
Appeal
اپیل
A formal request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court. In Pakistan appeals from Sessions Courts go to the High Court, and from the High Court to the Supreme Court.
Arbitration
ثالثی
An alternative dispute resolution method where parties agree to submit their dispute to an independent arbitrator whose decision (award) is binding. Governed by the Arbitration Act 1940 in Pakistan.
Arrest Warrant
گرفتاری وارنٹ
A court order authorising police to arrest a specific person. Issued under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) when a summons has been disobeyed or where immediate arrest is necessary.
B
Bail
ضمانت
Temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, in exchange for security or surety ensuring their appearance in court. Bailable offences carry a right to bail; non-bailable offences require judicial discretion.
Bail Bond
ضمانت نامہ
A written undertaking executed by the accused and their surety guaranteeing that the accused will appear before court whenever required. Failure to appear results in forfeiture of the bond amount.
Bar Council
بار کونسل
The regulatory body governing the legal profession in Pakistan. Provincial Bar Councils regulate advocates in each province; the Pakistan Bar Council regulates at the national level under the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act 1973.
C
Caveat
احتیاطی درخواست
A formal notice filed with a court requesting that no order be passed on a matter without first notifying and hearing the person who filed the caveat. Commonly used to prevent ex-parte orders.
Challan
چالان
The charge-sheet submitted by police to a Magistrate upon completion of investigation, listing the accused, evidence, and sections of law alleged to have been violated. Known formally as the "police report" under Section 173 CrPC.
Civil Suit
دیوانی مقدمہ
A non-criminal court proceeding in which a private party seeks remedy or compensation for a legal wrong. Governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC) in Pakistan.
Cognizable Offence
قابل دست اندازی جرم
A criminal offence for which police may arrest without a warrant and investigate without prior permission of a Magistrate. Listed in the First Schedule of the CrPC, and includes serious offences such as murder and robbery.
Contempt of Court
توہین عدالت
Behaviour that disrespects or disobeys the authority of the court, or wilful disobedience of a court order. Punishable under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 in Pakistan.
Cross-Examination
جرح
The questioning of a witness by the opposing party after the witness has given examination-in-chief. Its purpose is to test the accuracy, credibility, and completeness of the witness's testimony.
D
Decree
ڈگری
The formal expression of a court's adjudication in a civil suit, declaring the rights of the parties. A decree may be preliminary (requiring further steps) or final (completely disposing of the suit).
Defamation
ہتک عزت
Publication of a false statement that injures the reputation of a person. In Pakistan it is both a civil tort and a criminal offence under Section 499-500 PPC and separately under the PECA 2016 for online defamation.
Default
غیر حاضری / ڈیفالٹ
Failure by a party to a lawsuit to take a required legal step within the prescribed time, such as failure to file a written statement or appear in court. A default may result in an ex-parte decree against the defaulting party.
Divorce
طلاق
Legal dissolution of a marriage. In Pakistan a Muslim husband may pronounce Talaq; a wife may seek Khula through the court; either spouse may seek dissolution under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939.
Dower (Mehr)
مہر
A mandatory gift of money or property payable by the husband to the wife upon marriage under Islamic law. It is the wife's exclusive property and is enforceable as a civil debt.
E
Easement
حق راہداری
A right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a right of way. Governed by the Easements Act 1882 in Pakistan.
Evidence
ثبوت / شہادت
Any material (oral, documentary, or physical) presented in court to prove or disprove facts in issue. Governed by the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order 1984 (QSO) in Pakistan, which replaced the Evidence Act 1872.
Ex-Parte
یک طرفہ
A proceeding or order made at the request of one party without the other party being present or having been notified. Can be set aside if the absent party shows sufficient cause.
Execution
تعمیل
The enforcement of a court decree or order, compelling the judgment-debtor to comply. Execution proceedings are filed in the court that passed the decree under Order XXI CPC.
F
FIR
ایف آئی آر
First Information Report — the initial written report lodged with police when a cognizable offence is committed. Registered under Section 154 CrPC. The FIR sets the criminal justice process in motion and must be registered without delay.
Forensic Evidence
فرانزک ثبوت
Scientific evidence collected and analysed to be used in court, including DNA, fingerprints, ballistics, and digital forensics. Increasingly important in Pakistani courts following the Punjab Forensic Science Agency's expansion.
G
Guarantee
ضمانت / گارنٹی
A contract whereby one person (the guarantor/surety) promises to be responsible for the debt or obligation of another person if that person defaults. Governed by Sections 124-147 of the Contract Act 1872.
Guardian
سرپرست / ولی
A person legally appointed to care for a minor or their property. In Pakistani family law, the father is typically the natural guardian while the mother has the right of custody (hizanat) for young children. Governed by the Guardians and Wards Act 1890.
H
Habeas Corpus
حبس بے جا
A constitutional writ requiring the detaining authority to produce a detained person before the court and apniwakeel the detention. Available under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 before the High Court.
Hudood
حدود
Fixed punishments prescribed by Islamic law for specific offences such as theft (qat-ul-yad), adultery (zina), and false accusation (qazaf). Governed in Pakistan by the Hudood Ordinances 1979.
I
Injunction
عدالتی حکم امتناعی
A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act. A temporary injunction (stay order) preserves the status quo pending final hearing; a permanent injunction is granted by the final decree.
Inquest
پوسٹ مارٹم تحقیقات
A formal judicial inquiry into the cause of a person's death, particularly in cases of unnatural or suspicious death. Conducted under Section 174 CrPC in Pakistan.
Intellectual Property
دانشورانہ ملکیت
Legal rights protecting creations of the mind including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and industrial designs. Governed in Pakistan by the Trademarks Ordinance 2001, Copyright Ordinance 1962, and Patents Ordinance 2000.
J
Judgment
فیصلہ
The final decision of a court on the issues in dispute, setting out the reasons for the decision. Distinguished from a "decree" (the operative portion in civil cases) or "sentence" (in criminal cases).
Judicial Review
عدالتی نظرثانی
The power of superior courts to examine the lawfulness of government and administrative action. In Pakistan exercised by the High Courts under Article 199 and the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.
Jurisdiction
دائرہ اختیار
The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. May be based on territory, subject matter, monetary value, or the status of the parties. A court acting outside its jurisdiction makes a void order.
K
Khasra
خسرہ
A detailed record of agricultural land in Pakistan identifying each plot, its area, ownership, and use. Maintained by Patwari (revenue official). Essential document for land transfer and property disputes.
Khula
خلع
Dissolution of marriage at the wife's request in exchange for returning the dower (mehr) to the husband. The Family Court can grant Khula if reconciliation fails, even without the husband's consent, following the landmark Saleem Akhtar case.
L
Land Revenue
لگان / مال گزاری
Tax levied on agricultural land by the provincial government. Revenue records (Fard Malkiat, Mutation Register) are maintained under the Land Revenue Act 1967 and are key evidence in property litigation.
Lien
حق رہن
The right of a creditor to retain possession of a debtor's property until a debt is paid. A lawyer has a lien on a client's papers until fees are settled.
Limitation
میعاد مقررہ
The time period within which legal proceedings must be commenced. Governed by the Limitation Act 1908. Filing after the limitation period generally bars the suit unless the court condones delay under Section 5.
M
Magistrate
مجسٹریٹ
A judicial officer with limited criminal jurisdiction. In Pakistan, Judicial Magistrates handle trial of petty offences and preliminary proceedings; Executive Magistrates perform administrative/regulatory functions.
Maintenance
نفقہ
Financial support legally owed to a spouse, child, or other dependent. Under Pakistani family law a husband must maintain his wife; a father must maintain minor children regardless of custody. Claims filed in Family Court.
Mandamus
حکم قضائی
A writ issued by a High Court directing a public authority or inferior court to perform a public duty which it has refused or failed to perform. Available under Article 199 of the Constitution.
Mediation
ثالثی / مصالحت
A voluntary, confidential dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (mediator) helps parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement. Now promoted by Pakistani courts as an ADR mechanism.
Mortgage
رہن
A transfer of interest in immovable property to a lender as security for a loan, with the right to redeem on repayment. Governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882. Types include simple mortgage, usufructuary mortgage, and English mortgage.
Mukhtarnama
مختار نامہ
A Power of Attorney under Pakistani law authorising one person (the attorney) to act on behalf of another. A General Power of Attorney (GPA) covers broad authority; a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is limited to specific acts.
Mutation
انتقال
The official process of updating land revenue records to reflect a change in ownership or tenancy. Must be entered in the Register of Mutations (Pahle Intiqal) by the Patwari and attested by the Revenue Officer after verification.
N
Nikah Nama
نکاح نامہ
The official marriage contract document in Pakistan, containing the terms of the marriage including mehr, conditions, and signatures of witnesses. Compulsory registration under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961.
Non-Cognizable Offence
ناقابل دست اندازی جرم
A criminal offence for which police cannot arrest without a warrant and cannot investigate without a Magistrate's order. Less serious offences such as assault without grievous hurt. Complaint must typically be filed directly with a Magistrate.
Notice
نوٹس
Formal communication to a party informing them of legal proceedings or a claim. A legal notice before filing suit is required in many cases and gives the other party an opportunity to settle. Sent by an advocate via registered post.
O
Oath
حلف
A solemn promise to tell the truth, made before giving testimony or taking up public office. Giving false testimony under oath constitutes perjury, punishable under Section 193 PPC.
Order
حکم
A decision of a court on a procedural or interlocutory matter, as opposed to a final decree or judgment. Orders can be appealed only if specifically provided for or with leave of court.
P
Parole
پیرول
Conditional early release of a prisoner before completion of their sentence, subject to good behaviour and compliance with conditions. Distinct from bail (pre-conviction release) and remission (reduction of sentence).
Partition
تقسیم
Division of jointly held property among co-owners, each receiving exclusive ownership of their share. May be by mutual agreement (deed of partition) or through court (suit for partition under CPC).
Plaint
دعویٰ
The written statement filed by the plaintiff initiating a civil suit, setting out the facts and the relief sought. Must comply with Order VII of the CPC. The court issues a summons to the defendant after admitting the plaint.
Power of Attorney
وکالت نامہ
A legal document authorising one person to act on behalf of another in legal or financial matters. See also Mukhtarnama. Must be registered if relating to immovable property transactions.
Precedent
سابقہ فیصلہ
A court decision that serves as an authoritative guide in future cases involving similar facts or legal questions. Under Article 189 of the Constitution, Supreme Court decisions bind all other courts in Pakistan.
Probate
وصیت کی توثیق
The legal process of proving that a will is valid and authorising the executor to administer the estate. Applied for in the District Court under the Succession Act 1925.
Q
Qanun-e-Shahadat
قانون شہادت
The Qanun-e-Shahadat Order 1984 is Pakistan's evidence law, replacing the Indian Evidence Act 1872. It governs the admissibility and weight of evidence including oral testimony, documents, and electronic records.
Qisas
قصاص
The Islamic principle of equal retaliation in cases of murder or bodily harm. Under the Qisas and Diyat Ordinance 1990 (incorporated into PPC), the heirs of a murder victim can demand retaliation, accept blood money (diyat), or forgive.
Quashing
منسوخی / خارج کرنا
Annulment of an FIR, proceedings, or order by a superior court when found to be illegal, mala fide, or an abuse of process. Applied for through a Constitutional petition under Article 199 before the High Court.
R
Remand
ریمانڈ
An order by a Magistrate sending an arrested accused person into police custody (physical remand) or judicial custody for further investigation or trial. Physical remand under Section 167 CrPC cannot exceed 15 days at a time.
Rent Controller
کنٹرولر کرایہ
A judicial officer appointed under provincial Rent Restriction legislation to adjudicate disputes between landlords and tenants regarding rent, eviction, and tenancy terms. Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan each have their own Rent Acts.
Res Judicata
فیصلہ شدہ مسئلہ
The principle that a matter once finally decided by a court of competent jurisdiction cannot be re-litigated between the same parties. Enshrined in Section 11 CPC. Prevents multiplicity of proceedings and conflicting judgments.
Revision
نظرثانی
A proceeding before a superior court to examine the legality and propriety of a lower court's order, without it being a regular appeal. Available in both civil (Section 115 CPC) and criminal (Section 435 CrPC) matters.
S
Sentence
سزا
The punishment imposed by a court on a person convicted of a criminal offence. May include imprisonment, fine, whipping, or death. The judge exercises discretion within statutory limits.
Sessions Court
سیشن عدالت
The principal criminal court of a district, presided over by a Sessions Judge. Has jurisdiction to try serious offences including those punishable by death or life imprisonment. Also hears appeals from Magistrates' courts.
Specific Performance
عین اجرائے معاہدہ
An equitable remedy ordering a party to perform their contractual obligations, rather than pay damages. Commonly sought in property transactions. Governed by the Specific Relief Act 1877.
Stay Order
حکم التوا
A court order temporarily suspending the execution of a decree, order, or proceeding. Commonly obtained to prevent demolition of property or encashment of a cheque pending final decision of a case.
Suit
دعویٰ / مقدمہ
A civil proceeding commenced by filing a plaint in court. The party initiating the suit is the Plaintiff; the party defending is the Defendant. Governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908.
Surety
ضامن
A person who takes responsibility for another's obligation, most commonly in bail proceedings where the surety guarantees the accused's appearance in court and risks forfeiture of the bail bond amount if the accused absconds.
T
Talaq
طلاق
Islamic divorce pronounced by the husband. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, the husband must notify the Union Council in writing within 90 days of pronouncing Talaq; the divorce becomes effective after the Iddat period (typically 90 days).
Tort
ناجائز فعل
A civil wrong (other than breach of contract) causing harm to a person, for which the law provides a remedy in damages. Common torts in Pakistan include negligence, trespass, nuisance, and defamation.
Transfer of Property
انتقال ملکیت
The passing of ownership of property from one person to another. Immovable property transfers are governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882 and require registration under the Registration Act 1908 when the value exceeds Rs. 100.
Trial
مقدمے کی سماعت
The formal examination of evidence by a court to determine the facts of a case and apply the law to those facts. In criminal trials the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt; in civil trials on the balance of probabilities.
U
Undertaking
عہد نامہ
A solemn promise or commitment given to the court by a party or their advocate. Breach of an undertaking given to the court can amount to contempt.
Ushri Land
عشری زمین
Land irrigated by rain or natural water sources. Historically subject to Ushr (10% agricultural zakat). A land classification found in older revenue records that can affect inheritance and taxation.
V
Vakalatnama
وکالت نامہ
A formal document executed by a client authorising an advocate to appear and act on their behalf in specified court proceedings. Required to be filed with the court before an advocate can represent a party.
Void
باطل
Having no legal effect from the beginning (void ab initio). A void act or contract creates no rights or obligations and cannot be ratified. Distinguished from "voidable" which is valid until set aside by a court.
W
Warrant
وارنٹ
A court order directing police to arrest a person (arrest warrant) or search premises (search warrant). Issued when a summons has been disobeyed or where immediate compulsion is necessary.
Will (Wasiyat)
وصیت
A legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding disposal of their estate after death. Under Islamic law a Muslim can bequeath a maximum of one-third of their net estate to non-heirs; the rest passes by inheritance rules.
Writ
رٹ
A formal written order issued by a superior court. In Pakistan the High Courts issue writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition, and Quo Warranto under Article 199 of the Constitution.
Written Statement
تحریری جواب
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's plaint in a civil suit, filed under Order VIII CPC. It must specifically deny or admit each allegation and may raise any legal defences or counter-claims.
Wrongful Confinement
ناجائز قید
Restraining a person against their will without lawful authority. A criminal offence under Section 342 PPC, punishable with imprisonment up to 1 year and/or fine. Aggravated forms carry higher penalties.
Z
Zamindar
زمیندار
A landowner; historically a landlord who held large tracts of agricultural land. Modern land reforms have restricted landholdings, but the term remains in revenue records. Zamindars retain rights to agricultural tenancy agreements under provincial Tenancy Acts.
Zina
زنا
Consensual sexual intercourse outside of marriage. A Hadd offence under the Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance 1979. Requires very high standard of proof (four pious Muslim witnesses). Conviction and punishment at Hadd level is extremely rare in practice.
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