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Adopting from Pakistan

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

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The Thar Desert.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

K2, the second highest mountain on earth.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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Source: flickr.com.

Faiz Mahal Palace, Khairpur.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Faisal Mosque, built in 1986.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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Source: flickr.com.

Collage of Karachi.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.

About Pakistan

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. To learn more please read About Pakistan.


Hague Convention Information

Pakistan is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Pakistan and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

Pakistan has no statute that provides for the adoption of Muslim children; thus there is no law setting forth age, residency, or marriage requirements. In general, adoptions are a community matter in Pakistan. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Pakistan.


Who Can Be Adopted

If you have a particular child for adoption in mind—especially a relative—you may wish to consult a lawyer or USCIS to assist you in determining whether the child meets the definition of orphan in U.S. law before proceeding. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Pakistan.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Pakistan's Adoption Authority

There is no central government adoption authority. Guardianship proceedings are filed in the family courts.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Pakistan generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Gain Legal custody of the child in Pakistan
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Pakistan.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Pakistan. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Pakistan.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: +92 51 208 0000 Fax: +92 51 262 3673 Email: AdoptionsPakistan@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Pakistan


National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)

NADRA State Bank of Pakistan Bldg. Shahrah-i-Jamhuriat, G-5/2 Islamabad – 44000 Tel: +92 51 111 786 1000 Internet: NADRA

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=pakistan