What to do if someone dies in Pakistan

Pakistan repatriations to the UK are among the most frequently requested. The process is well-understood by specialist funeral directors on both sides, but it has consistent friction points. Knowing them in advance reduces frustration and helps families set realistic expectations.

The most important first step: notify the British High Commission

The British High Commission in Islamabad is the primary consular contact. Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad. Phone: +92 51 201 2000. A Deputy High Commission operates in Karachi (+92 21 358 2000 approx) and in Lahore. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Notify them the same day. Do not wait.

Understanding the two death certificates

This is the critical knowledge point for Pakistan repatriations. There are two documents both commonly described as “the death certificate,” and they are not the same.

Document 1: The hospital medical certificate of cause of death. Issued by the attending physician. Required, but not sufficient for international purposes.

Document 2: The Union Council death certificate. Issued by the Union Council (local government). This is the legally recognised death certificate for international repatriation. Processing time: 3-7 days in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad; longer in smaller towns and rural areas.

The District Health Authority will not issue the export No Objection Certificate (NOC) without the Union Council death certificate. This single document is the most common source of delay in Pakistan repatriations. Source: Pakistani Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act (2004).

Medico-Legal Officer (MLO) examination

For violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths, the body is referred to the Medico-Legal Officer. The MLO system is the Pakistani equivalent of a coroner-ordered post-mortem. MLO capacity is strongest in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Deaths in smaller cities (Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad) or rural areas may require transfer to the nearest MLO facility. This adds time. Allow 5 to 14 days for the MLO process outside the three main cities.

Embalming and Islamic considerations

Embalming is legally required for international repatriation under the international agreements that govern the movement of human remains. Islamic tradition generally opposes embalming. This is a genuine dilemma for many Pakistani Muslim families.

A number of UK Pakistani funeral directors are experienced in meeting the legal embalming requirement while conducting the procedure with appropriate religious sensitivity and minimising its extent where possible. This is worth discussing explicitly with your specialist before they engage the Pakistani-side funeral director. Source: Islamic Medical Association of the UK guidance (2022).

District Health Authority No Objection Certificate

Once the Union Council death certificate, embalming certificate, and freedom from infectious disease clearance are all in hand, the District Health Authority issues the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for export. Allow 3 to 7 days for the NOC. The NOC is the final document needed before air cargo booking.

Air freight from Pakistan to London

PIA and British Airways both operate direct flights from Lahore (LHE), Karachi (KHI), and Islamabad (ISB) to London Heathrow. The direct flight is a genuine advantage over many Asian origins where multi-leg routing is required. It reduces transit risk and shortens the family’s wait. Human remains travel as air cargo.

What families can do from the UK

If the deceased was visiting family in Pakistan, that family member will need to be the on-the-ground contact for documentation. Coordinate clearly between the in-Pakistan contact and your UK specialist. Provide the UK specialist with: the deceased’s passport, travel insurance documents (if applicable), and the full name and contact number of the in-country contact. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Pakistan (2023).