The Attorney General of Pakistan

A power of attorney must be written and must be attested by an official such as a Notary Public, Judge, Magistrate, Pakistan Consul or Representative.

Pakistan’s legal system is an amalgamation of Shariah law and common law, often leading to vague laws punishing those most at risk and reinforcing patterns of historical oppression.

What is the office of the attorney general?

The Office of Attorney General serves as both legal advisor to government and primary advocate in Supreme Court litigation. It is held by appointment from President, with law officers prohibited from engaging in private practice while serving.

The Office of the Attorney General includes Parliamentary Counsel and Chief State Solicitor’s Offices which offer legal advice, legislative drafting services and transactional services. In addition, this division oversees two other divisions – Highway Traffic Safety which administers grant funds for state traffic safety programs as well as Victims of Crime Compensation Office which offers compensation to crime victims.

Mansoor Usman Awan was appointed Pakistan’s new Attorney General following Barrister Shehzad Ata Elahi’s departure due to political pressure from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Awan holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University and is widely known for being one of Pakistan’s premier lawyers – having also previously held a post as principal secretary to Sharif. President Arif Alvi approved Awan’s nomination upon recommendation of Sharif. Awan previously worked as principal secretary to Premier Shehbaz Sharif before becoming AG in 2008.

Who is the attorney general?

The Attorney-General serves as both chief law officer for Pakistan’s Government and legal advisor to President of Pakistan. They have access to all courts and tribunals throughout Pakistan. He or she is appointed on advice of Prime Minister and approved by President for their appointment, holding office for as long as desired by President.

On Monday, President Arif Alvi announced the appointment of Mansoor Usman Awan as Attorney General by President Arif Alvi. Awan is a highly acclaimed Lahori lawyer known for his integrity and understanding of legal matters. While attending University of Punjab for his Bachelor’s in Law he received both Justice M Jan Memorial gold medal and Charles Earl Bevan Petman Law prize for being awarded first position in Jurisprudence.

How is the office of the attorney general organized?

The Attorney General of Pakistan serves as Chief Law Officer and legal advisor of the Federal Government, assisted by a team of Law Officers that includes Additional and Deputy Attorneys-General as well as Standing Counsels appointed to represent it in litigation matters. His Office is divided into 10 Law Divisions for efficient operation.

The Attorney-General serves the Federal Government by providing legal advice or undertaking other duties assigned by the President on various legal issues referred or assigned to him, and holds audience in any courts or tribunals where necessary.

The position of Attorney-General is an elected constitutional position and the incumbent must meet qualifications to become a Justice of the Supreme Court. Furthermore, according to Article 13 of the Constitution a Law Officer cannot practice privately while employed at this office which was first created in 1947.

What is the role of the attorney general?

The Attorney General represents, defends and safeguards the interests of provincial governments across Canada. He advises them on legal matters related to legislative projects referred to him by their government and drafts legislation or reviews contracts and agreements they sign up for on their behalf. His Office is also charged with vetting contracts that involve government participation.

The Attorney General Office employs an additional Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General at grade 20 level who oversee the daily operations of their office and may even stand in for them if needed. These officials oversee day-to-day activities of the office as well as act in their absence if need be.

Pakistani law combines Sharia law with common law; most laws pre-1947 reflect colonial legislation while newer amendments reflect Islamic traditions. The attorney general serves at the pleasure of their Prime Minister or until they resign from office.