Latest revision as of 15:28, 29 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: .

The Thar Desert.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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

'
Source: flickr.com.

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

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

'
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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:

Choose an Adoption Service Provider
Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
Be Matched with a Child
Gain Legal custody of the child in Pakistan
Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
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

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/pk-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Pakistan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/pk-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/pk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Pakistan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/pk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/sas/pk_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Pakistan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/sas/pk_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/State_emblem_of_Pakistan.svg/522px-State_emblem_of_Pakistan.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official emblem of Pakistan.'''<BR/>Source: .}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/State_emblem_of_Pakistan.svg/522px-State_emblem_of_Pakistan.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: .}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Thar_Khuri.jpg/800px-Thar_Khuri.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Thar Desert is located between Pakistan and [[India]] .'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Thar_Khuri.jpg/800px-Thar_Khuri.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Thar Desert.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/K2_2006b.jpg/800px-K2_2006b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''K2, the second highest mountain on earth.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6466282553_eee05a396b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pakistani children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6466282553_eee05a396b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/FaizMahal.jpg/800px-FaizMahal.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Faiz Mahal Palace, Khairpur, Pakistan..'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/FaizMahal.jpg/800px-FaizMahal.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Faiz Mahal Palace, Khairpur.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Faisalmoschee.jpg/800px-Faisalmoschee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The national mosque of Pakistan, Faisal Mosque, was built in 1986.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Faisalmoschee.jpg/800px-Faisalmoschee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Faisal Mosque, built in 1986.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/4967471537_7e8b723eee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pakistan.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/4967471537_7e8b723eee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Karachi_Montage_02.PNG/406px-Karachi_Montage_02.PNG|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Karachi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Karachi_Montage_02.PNG/406px-Karachi_Montage_02.PNG|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Karachi, Pakistan.'''<BR/>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]].'''
-=Hague Convention Information=
+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.
-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).
+=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]].
-Adopting a child in Pakistan can be a long, difficult, and legally-complex process.  The Guardians and Wards Act of 1890 governs the rights and interests of minors in Pakistan.  Pakistani law and Islamic Shari’a law, upon which Pakistan family law is largely based, does not allow for adoptions of Pakistani children in Pakistan.  According to Pakistan's laws, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are non-Muslim may not be appointed guardians of Muslim children, and non-Christians may not be appointed guardians of Christian children.  Children abandoned at an Islamic orphanage are deemed Muslim unless there is any evidence to prove otherwise.
+=Hague Convention Information=
-U. S. citizens considering adoption of a non-Muslim Pakistani child must obtain guardianship for emigration and adoption in the United States from the Family Court that has [[jurisdiction]] over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence.  In order for the child to be eligible to receive an immigrant visa, the guardianship order must imply permission for the child to emigrate and be [[adopted]] in another country.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should refer to our information sheet on Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is observed for more information.
+[[Pakistan]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)]. To learn more please read about [[Pakistan and the Hague Convention]].
-Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should exercise caution and are advised to fully research any [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or facilitator they plan to use.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may be targets for unscrupulous lawyers or [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] that may not be able to deliver on their promises.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s consular section by email at AdoptionsPakistan@state.gov, or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) National Benefits Center at NBC.Adoptions@dhs.gov, before applying for guardianship of a child to ensure that proper procedures have been followed.
-'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
-To bring a child you have obtained guardianship of to the United States from Pakistan, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
-Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
 =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.  People often opt for informal adoptions according to their faith, outside the Family Courts.  Such informal adoptions do not meet the criteria set forth in the U.S. law for the issuance of an immigration visa to an [[adopted]] child.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must comply with U.S. legal requirements in the [[I-600]] process and applicable provisions of the Guardians and Wards Act of 1890 in Pakistan.
+[[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]].
-==Residency==
-N/A
+=Who Can Be Adopted=
-==Age of Adopting Parents==
+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 [https://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process definition of orphan] in U.S. law before proceeding. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Pakistan]].
-N/A
+=How to Adopt=
-==Marriage==
+==Adoption Authority==
-N/A
+'''[[Pakistan]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-==Income==
+There is no central government [[adoption]] authority. [[Guardianship]] proceedings are filed in the family courts.
-N/A
-==Other==
+==The Process==
-N/A
+The process for adopting a child from [[Pakistan]] generally includes the following steps:
-=Who Can Be Adopted=
+# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
+# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
+# Be Matched with a Child
+# Gain [[Legal Custody|Legal custody]] of the child in [[Pakistan]]
+# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
+# Bring Your Child Home
-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 about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Pakistan]].
-Please note that in order for a child to meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law, a Form [[I-600]] petition must be filed while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if [[adopted]] or to be [[adopted]] together with a sibling under the age of 16).
-'''Caution:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
-=How to Adopt=
-==    Adoption Authority==
-==The Process==
 =Traveling Abroad=
@@ Line 90: / Line 72: @@
 '''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. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
+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]].
-'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
-In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Pakistan, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
-'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
-Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
-'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
-When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Pakistan, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 =After Adoption=
@@ Line 124: / Line 92: @@
+=Contact Information=
-==SOURCE==
+'''U.S. Embassy in [[Pakistan]]'''
-'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+Islamabad, [[Pakistan]]
+Tel:  +92 51 208 0000
+Fax:  +92 51 262 3673
+Email:  AdoptionsPakistan@state.gov
+Internet:  [http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/ 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:  [http://nadra.gov.pk/index.php/products/certificates/crc 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]]
 [[Category: International Adoption]]

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Pakistan"