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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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: .}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| | {{#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: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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} |
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| − | {{#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.}} | + | {{#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.}} |
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| − | '''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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| − | =Hague Convention Information=
| + | '''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].''' |
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| − | 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 [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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| | + | [[About Pakistan]]= |
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| − | 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.
| + | 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]]. |
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| − | 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 [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/adoption_of_children_countries_islamic_sharia_observed.php Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law] is observed for more information.
| + | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | 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.
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| − | '''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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| − | To bring a child you have obtained guardianship of to the United States from Pakistan, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements]. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who can [[adopt]]] under U.S. immigration law.
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| | + | [[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 [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)]. To learn more please read about [[Pakistan and the Hague Convention]]. |
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| − | Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan 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.
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | 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]]. |
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | N/A
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | 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 [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] in U.S. law before proceeding. | + | 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 [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] in U.S. law before proceeding. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Pakistan]]. |
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| − | Please note that in order for a child to meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan 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).
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| − | '''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.
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
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| − | '''Pakistan's Adoption Authority''' | + | '''[[Pakistan]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
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| − | There is no central government adoption authority. Guardianship proceedings are filed in the family courts. | + | There is no central government [[adoption]] authority. [[Guardianship]] proceedings are filed in the family courts. |
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| | ==The Process== | | ==The Process== |
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| − | The process for adopting a child from Pakistan generally includes the following steps: | + | The process for adopting a child from [[Pakistan]] generally includes the following steps: |
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| | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] | | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] |
| | # Be Matched with a Child | | # Be Matched with a Child |
| − | # Gain [[Legal Custody|Legal custody]] of the child in Pakistan | + | # Gain [[Legal Custody|Legal custody]] of the child in [[Pakistan]] |
| | # Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status | | # Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status |
| | # Bring Your Child Home | | # Bring Your Child Home |
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| | + | To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Pakistan]]. |
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| − | '''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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| − | The recommended first step in adopting a child from Pakistan is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your adoption. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Adoption service providers] must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. The Department of State provides information on selecting an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] on its website.
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| − | There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Pakistan. A [http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/cs_legalinfo.html list of attorneys] is available to prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the [http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s website]. Make sure your lawyer in Pakistan has experience with U.S. adoption cases.
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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| − | In order to [[adopt]] a child from Pakistan, you will need to meet the requirements of both Pakistan law and U.S. immigration law.
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| − | To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may also file an [[I-600A]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600a Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition] with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to [[adopt]].
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| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
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| − | There is no central government adoption authority in Pakistan. Orphanages in Pakistan must be licensed, and the child must be a ward of the state in order to meet the definition of orphan under U.S. law. If you are eligible to [[adopt]], you will need to contact orphanages, charitable institutions, or social welfare agencies to assist you to identify a child who is eligible for intercountry adoption. As there is no central governmental adoption authority in Pakistan that can certify specific children are indeed abandoned or orphaned, it can be extremely difficult to fulfill the legal requirements of U.S. immigration law. Please note that if a child has not been a ward of the state or is not in the care of a licensed orphanage, the child cannot be considered an orphan under U.S. law. Each family must decide for itself whether it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent home for the child.
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| − | The child must be eligible for guardianship according Pakistan’s requirements, as described in the “Who Can Be [[Adopted]]” section above. The child must also meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law.
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| − | '''4. Gain [[Legal Custody]] of the Child in Pakistan'''
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| − | The process for gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Pakistan includes the following:
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| − | *'''Role of Adoption Authority:'''akistan does not have a central government adoption authority.
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| − | *'''Role of Licensed Orphanages:'''nce prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have identified a child through a licensed orphanage, the orphanage provides the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a letter describing the identity and social history of the child. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] or their attorney in Pakistan can file an application for guardianship in Family Court with this letter.
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| − | *'''Role of the Court:''' Family Courts have [[jurisdiction]] over the guardianship of children. If the Family Court grants the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] guardianship, they will issue a record of the proceedings, a guardianship order, and a guardianship certificate. The certificate must state that guardianship is granted for purposes of immigration to and adoption in the United States.
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Pakistan.
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| − | *'''Adoption Application:''' There is no adoption application. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] petition the Family Court for guardianship of a specific child.
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| − | *'''Role of Lawyers:''' Attorneys assist prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with understanding the process for obtaining guardianship of a Pakistani child through the Family Court, file the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ petition for guardianship with the Family Court, and obtain final court documents. A [http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/cs_legalinfo.html list of attorneys] is available on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
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| − | *'''Time Frame:''' It is difficult to estimate how long it will take for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to obtain guardianship of a child through the Family Court.
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| − | *'''Adoption Fees:''' Fees vary widely and may include lawyer’s fees, court fees, expedite fees, changes to court documents, etc.
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| − | *'''Documents Required:''' The following documents are required to complete the adoption process:
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| − | ::::1. Proof of U.S. citizenship of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
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| − | ::::2. Proof of marriage of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], if married; if the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is divorced, proof of the termination of all previous marriages;
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| − | ::::3. Fingerprint cards for the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and all other adult members of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ household;
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| − | ::::4. Approved home-study report.
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| − | *'''Authentication of Documents:''' You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic. If so, the Department of State’s [http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/office-of-authentications.html Authentications Office] may be able to assist. '''Caution:''' Pakistani documents on rupee paper and documents notarized by a lawyer are not considered official documents. The Embassy will only accept original or court certified documents related to guardianships in Pakistan. Obtaining fraudulent documents is against the law in Pakistan.
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| − | '''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Orphan Status'''
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| − | After you gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Pakistan, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law. You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative].
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| − | You must have an approved Form [[I-600]] [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative] before an immigrant visa may be issued. You may file your Form [[I-600]] petition in the U.S. or at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad provided you have a valid, approved [[I-600A]] on record.
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| − | '''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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| − | Once you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child, you will need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | If you have finalized the adoption in Pakistan, you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate, referred to as the Child Registration Certificate (CRC), for your child.
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| − | You should take your guardianship certificate (issued by the Family Court) to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to amend your child's Form B, listing you as the parents. You may apply for a Pakistani passport for your child with the amended form and your guardianship certificate. Information on how to obtain a new CRC for your child at: nadra.gov.pk/index.php/products/certificates/crc.
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| − | ::2. Pakistani Passport
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| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Pakistan.
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| − | Information on how to apply for a [http://www.dgip.gov.pk/Files/Passport.aspx#Process Pakistan passport] for your child may be found at: dgip.gov.pk/Files/Home.html.
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| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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| − | After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600 Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative], you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the consular officer must be provided the Panel Physician’s [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child.
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| − | You can find instructions for applying for an immigrant visa on the [http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas2.html U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s website].
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who plan to file their Form [[I-600]] with the U.S. Embassy Islamabad should contact the consular section by email at AdoptionsPakistan@state.gov to confirm that they have a valid approved Form [[I-600A]] on record and to make an appointment to file Form [[I-600]] and supporting documents.
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are reminded that consular officers are required by law to conduct a Form I-604 Determination on Child for Adoption (sometimes informally referred to as the “orphan investigation”) to verify the child's orphan status before an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa may be issued. Depending on the circumstances of a case, this investigation may take up to several months to complete, even if the Form [[I-600]] petition is already approved. Cases in which a child’s orphan status cannot be confirmed must be forwarded to USCIS for review and final determination. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should have flexible travel plans if they plan to remain in Pakistan until the Form I-604 is completed.
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| − | Once the consular section receives the family’s approved Form [[I-600]] petition, staff will contact the family by email concerning their next steps. Immigrant visa applicants must complete a series of forms – details of which will be provided to the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] by the consular section – before the immigrant visa interview may take place. Once the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have compiled all of the documents required for the immigrant visa interview, they must call the consular section to schedule their child’s immigrant visa appointment. A consular officer conducts the interview and, if the visa application is approved, issues the visa. A consular officer must see the [[adopted]] child in person before the immigrant visa may be issued.
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes at least 24 working hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should not make final travel arrangements before they receive the visa.
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States:''''' An adoption will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
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| − | '''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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| − | Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/child_citizenship_act_of_2000.php Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' | | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' |
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| − | 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]]. |
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| − | '''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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| − | | + | |
| − | 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].
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| − | '''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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| − | | + | |
| − | 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.
| + | |
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| − | '''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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| − | 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.
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| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
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| − | ==Contact Information==
| + | =Contact Information= |
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| − | '''U.S. Embassy in Pakistan''' | + | '''U.S. Embassy in [[Pakistan]]''' |
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| − | Islamabad, Pakistan | + | Islamabad, [[Pakistan]] |
| | Tel: +92 51 208 0000 | | Tel: +92 51 208 0000 |
| | Fax: +92 51 262 3673 | | Fax: +92 51 262 3673 |
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| | '''National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)''' | | '''National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)''' |
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| − | NADRA State Bank of Pakistan Bldg. | + | NADRA State Bank of [[Pakistan]] Bldg. |
| | Shahrah-i-Jamhuriat, G-5/2 | | Shahrah-i-Jamhuriat, G-5/2 |
| | Islamabad – 44000 | | Islamabad – 44000 |
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.
