Property and inheritance · For citizens
Cancelling it? Tell him first.
In short
Write a revocation and give the attorney notice. Under section 208 of the Contract Act, a cancellation binds him only once he knows, and buyers only once they know.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
Myth or fact?
What owners often believe.
- Myth: I signed a cancellation deed. He can no longer sell my plot.
- Fact: A revocation binds the attorney only once it becomes known to him, and buyers only once it becomes known to them (Contract Act s.208).
How it ends.
Section 201, Contract Act.
- You revoke itThe principal revokes the authority.
- He gives it upThe attorney renounces the business.
- Job doneThe business of the agency is completed.
- DeathEither of you dies or becomes of unsound mind.
The rule in the law.
Section 208, Contract Act.
“The termination of the authority of an agent does not, so far as regards the agent, take effect before it becomes known to him, or, so far as regards third persons, before it becomes known to them.”
Contract Act, 1872 · Section 208, When termination takes effect
Quick quiz. A secret cancel.
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. Void, the deed was cancelled
- B. It can still bind you
- C. Void only if he was paid
Answer: B. Notice decides.
The Lahore High Court on notice.
- 2025 CLC 168The attorney must get notice before cancellation. Revocation without notice is illegal (ss.202, 206).
- 2022 MLD 688A power of attorney can be rescinded only after notice to the attorney.
- s.206No reasonable notice? The damage that follows must be made good.
Registered attorney?
Sindh High Court, 2021 MLD 624.
- Registered instrumentA registered power of attorney over property is revoked by another registered instrument after notice to the attorney.
- Or the newspaperOr by publication in the newspaper.
- Before revocationA deal he made while the power was alive stood.
When you cannot cancel.
Section 202, Contract Act.
- Myth: It is my property. I can cancel any attorney, any time.
- Fact: Not if the attorney has his own interest in the property, for example he already paid you the full price (s.202; 2016 MLD 168, Sindh).
Do it right.
Three steps, in this order.
- Write itA revocation deed; register it if the attorney was registered.
- Serve himWritten notice to the attorney, keep the proof.
- Make it publicA newspaper notice so buyers cannot say they did not know.
Worried about your attorney?
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- My brother has my general power of attorney. How do I cancel it before he sells my house?
- Draft a revocation notice for a registered power of attorney.
Example questions
What this does not mean
- A cancellation deed on its own does not bind the attorney until he knows, or buyers until they know (Contract Act s.208).
- You cannot cancel at will where the attorney has his own interest in the property, for example he already paid the full price (s.202; 2016 MLD 168, Sindh).
- A deal the attorney made while the power was alive stood (2021 MLD 624).
Questions people ask
How to cancel a power of attorney in Pakistan?
Write a revocation deed and register it if the attorney was registered. Serve written notice on the attorney and keep proof, then publish a newspaper notice so buyers cannot say they did not know.
Can I cancel a power of attorney at any time?
Not always. If the attorney has his own interest in the property, such as having paid you the full price, you cannot cancel it (Contract Act s.202; 2016 MLD 168, Sindh).
Is a power of attorney valid after death?
No. Under Contract Act s.201 the agency ends when either of you dies or becomes of unsound mind.
Is notice needed to revoke a power of attorney?
Yes. The Lahore High Court held that revocation without notice to the attorney is illegal (2025 CLC 168), and that a power of attorney can be rescinded only after notice (2022 MLD 688).
How to revoke a registered power of attorney?
The Sindh High Court said a registered power of attorney over property is revoked by another registered instrument after notice to the attorney, or by publication in the newspaper (2021 MLD 624).
Sources
- Contract Act, 1872 · Section 208
When termination takes effect Pakistan Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
