LHC Doubts Indian Citizen’s Authority to Appoint Lawyer in Pakistan Case

In Lahore, Pakistan, the Lahore High Court (LHC) heard preliminary objections in a petition by Indian citizen Karnail Singh challenging his wife Sarbjit Kaur’s nikah under Pakistani law. The case has sparked controversy over the legitimacy of foreign nationals appointing attorneys within the country.

Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing, which saw advocates Nawaz Sheikh and Ali Changezi Sindhu representing Karnail Singh. During the proceedings, counsel argued that Karnail Singh had appointed Mahinder Pal Singh, a former Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), to represent him in the matter. According to the petition, Sarbjit Kaur arrived in Pakistan on November 3, 2025, with a 10-day pilgrimage visa and was allegedly coerced into conversion through blackmail.

The court’s primary concern was how Karnail Singh could legally appoint an attorney within Pakistan under local laws. The petitioner alleged that his wife had been forced to convert to Islam against her will before the marriage ceremony, which he contends violates the Hindu Marriage Act’s stipulation that a change of religion does not dissolve prior marital bonds.

The LHC constituted a full bench to hear objections related to property ownership ordinances and directed counsel to provide arguments strictly under Pakistani law. However, the court noted that such appointments are permissible through international human rights conventions but must be grounded in Pakistan’s legal framework.

Counsel insisted that allowing Karnail Singh’s appointment was consistent with these conventions, despite the LHC clarifying that they needed to adhere within Pakistan’s legal parameters. The full bench adjourned the case until March 2 for further argumentation and verification of the foreign power of attorney.