Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from India to Pakistan
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Quick answer
Repatriation from India to Pakistan: what to expect
India and Pakistan share the longest land border between any two predominantly Muslim and Hindu nations, and family ties across the partition divide remain significant for many British and Indian diaspora families. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi handles consular matters. When an Indian national dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Pakistan, or where cross-border family connections exist, the death is registered with the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the Indian state civil registration system. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi can advise on documentation. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; FCDO guidance on South Asia repatriation, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English or regional language (varies by state))
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in New Delhi registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the state civil registration system promptly.
- Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: India to Pakistan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (unified) / 100 (police) / 108 (ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the state civil registration system. Violent or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Pakistan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Pakistan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in India
Call 112 for emergency services, 100 for police, or 108 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The death is registered with the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the state civil registration system. Documentation language varies by state; English-language certificates are issued in most urban areas. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. India is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Processing times vary by state; large cities process faster than rural areas. Tropical conditions in many regions require prompt embalming.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from India to Pakistan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from India to Pakistan takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the state civil registration system promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Pakistani funeral director takes custody at Islamabad International (ISB), Jinnah International Karachi (KHI), or Allama Iqbal Lahore (LHE) cargo terminal. NADRA processes civil registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is required. A burial permit from the relevant health authority is needed before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified translation. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in the origin country is required.
Cremation is widely available in India and is the traditional rite for Hindu and Sikh communities. Muslim remains require burial. A cremation certificate is required for export of ashes. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Pakistan
When the body arrives in Pakistan
The Pakistani funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB), Jinnah International Airport Karachi (KHI), or Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore (LHE), depending on the final destination. NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) processes civil registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is required; a burial permit from the relevant health authority is needed before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified translation. Pakistan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required. Authentication by the Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin is required. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in New Delhi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Pakistan. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · India repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions