One of the most common difficulties faced by legal heirs after the death of a family member is determining the full extent of the deceased person’s assets. While property, vehicles, and other visible assets may be known to the family, bank accounts, investments, fixed deposits, lockers, and financial instruments often remain undisclosed or unknown.
This problem is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis and family members who live separately from the deceased. In many cases, heirs know that the deceased had savings, investments, or bank accounts but have no information regarding which banks hold those assets or how many accounts actually exist.
Why Identifying Bank Accounts Is Important
When a person dies, all assets owned by that individual become part of the deceased estate.
These assets may include:
- Savings accounts
- Current accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Profit and loss sharing accounts
- Foreign currency accounts
- Investment portfolios
- Prize bonds
- Pension benefits
- Insurance proceeds
- Bank lockers
- Shares and securities
- Digital banking accounts
Before inheritance can be distributed, heirs must first determine exactly what assets belong to the deceased.
If bank accounts remain undiscovered, valuable portions of the estate may never be included in the inheritance process.
Therefore, identifying all financial assets is one of the most important steps in estate administration.
Without identifying these assets, it becomes difficult to obtain a succession certificate, complete inheritance proceedings, or ensure that the estate is distributed fairly among all legal heirs.
The good news is that Pakistani law provides legal mechanisms through which heirs can trace and identify the financial assets of a deceased person. By following the proper legal procedures, heirs can protect their inheritance rights and prevent the concealment of estate assets.
The First Step: Obtain the Deceased Person's CNIC
The most important document required at the beginning of the process is the deceased person’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
The CNIC serves as the primary identifier used by financial institutions throughout Pakistan.
Once heirs obtain:
- A copy of the deceased’s CNIC,
- Death certificate,
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC),
- Proof of relationship,
they can begin the process of tracing financial assets.
The CNIC number acts as the key through which banking records, financial transactions, and investment information may potentially be located.
Contacting Banks and Financial Institutions
The next step is to approach relevant financial institutions and request information regarding accounts associated with the deceased person’s CNIC.
The request may seek information regarding:
Bank Accounts
Savings and current accounts maintained by the deceased.
Fixed Deposits
Term deposit certificates and investment accounts.
Financial Investments
Mutual funds, securities, and investment portfolios.
Lockers
Safe deposit lockers maintained by the deceased.
Dormant Accounts
Accounts that may not have been used for long periods.
Foreign Currency Accounts
Accounts maintained in foreign currencies.
However, heirs should understand that banks are generally bound by confidentiality laws and customer privacy obligations.
As a result, many institutions may refuse to disclose information without appropriate legal authorization.
Why Banks Often Refuse Direct Requests
Many family members assume that because they are legal heirs, a bank will automatically provide account details.
In practice, banks usually require:
- Succession certificates,
- Letters of administration,
- Court orders,
- Legal authority documents,
before releasing confidential financial information.
This is because banks must protect customer privacy and avoid unauthorized disclosure of financial records.
Therefore, heirs often need to use formal legal procedures to obtain complete information.
Seeking Court Assistance
When information cannot be obtained voluntarily, court intervention may become necessary.
The speaker suggests that heirs may initiate appropriate civil proceedings and request the court’s assistance in identifying the deceased person’s assets.
The purpose of such proceedings is to:
- Determine the assets belonging to the deceased.
- Establish the rights of legal heirs.
- Obtain disclosure of financial records.
- Facilitate the inheritance process.
Courts possess the authority to require institutions to provide relevant information where legally justified.
Making Banks Parties to Legal Proceedings
If heirs believe that the deceased maintained accounts with particular banks, those banks may be included in the legal proceedings.
For example, heirs may request the court to issue notices to:
- Commercial banks,
- Islamic banks,
- Microfinance banks,
- Financial institutions,
- Investment companies.
Once included in the proceedings, those institutions may be directed to verify whether accounts exist in the name of the deceased.
This process can help uncover assets that may otherwise remain hidden.
Requesting Information from Head Offices and Branches
A common concern among heirs is uncertainty regarding which branch of a bank held the account.
In such situations, legal proceedings may seek information from:
Bank Head Offices
Many banks maintain centralized records linked to CNIC numbers.
Regional Offices
Regional offices may assist in identifying accounts within their jurisdiction.
Individual Branches
Specific branches may be directed to search records associated with the deceased’s CNIC.
Because modern banking systems are largely computerized, searches can often be conducted using CNIC-based identification.
Obtaining Court Orders for Disclosure
One of the most effective legal tools available to heirs is a court order directing banks to disclose relevant information.
Through court-supervised proceedings, financial institutions may be required to provide:
- Account numbers,
- Account balances,
- Transaction records,
- Deposit details,
- Investment information,
- Locker details,
- Financial asset statements.
This information enables heirs to determine the true value of the estate.
Protecting Against Concealment of Assets
Inheritance disputes sometimes arise when one family member possesses more information than others.
In some situations:
- Assets may be intentionally concealed.
- Certain heirs may not be informed of accounts.
- Financial records may be withheld.
- Estate information may be partially disclosed.
Court-supervised disclosure procedures help prevent such situations.
By obtaining information directly from banks and institutions, heirs can ensure transparency and protect their lawful inheritance rights.
Using the Information for Succession Proceedings
Once all assets have been identified, the information can be used in succession proceedings.
The disclosed records help determine:
Total Estate Value
The complete value of the deceased’s financial assets.
Heirs’ Entitlements
The share of each legal heir according to applicable inheritance laws.
Asset Transfer Requirements
Documentation necessary for transferring funds and investments.
Estate Administration
The overall process of distributing assets lawfully.
The Importance of a Succession Certificate
A succession certificate is one of the most important legal documents in inheritance matters.
It serves several purposes:
- Confirms legal heirs.
- Establishes entitlement to assets.
- Enables release of funds by banks.
- Facilitates transfer of investments.
- Protects institutions from future claims.
Without a succession certificate, many financial institutions will refuse to release funds belonging to the deceased.
Challenges Faced by Overseas Pakistanis
Overseas Pakistanis frequently face additional difficulties because they:
- Live outside Pakistan.
- Have limited access to records.
- May be unaware of family financial arrangements.
- Cannot easily visit institutions.
For such heirs, obtaining complete information about a deceased parent’s or relative’s assets can be particularly challenging.
Legal proceedings often become the most effective method of ensuring full disclosure.
Practical Steps for Heirs
If you are attempting to locate a deceased person’s bank accounts, consider the following steps:
Step 1
Obtain the deceased person’s CNIC.
Step 2
Obtain the death certificate.
Step 3
Collect family registration documents.
Step 4
Identify any known banks or financial institutions.
Step 5
Submit written requests where appropriate.
Step 6
Consult a lawyer regarding succession proceedings.
Step 7
Seek court assistance if information is withheld.
Step 8
Request disclosure of banking and investment records.
Step 9
Identify all estate assets.
Step 10
Obtain a succession certificate and complete distribution.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Tracing a deceased person’s bank accounts is often one of the most important steps in the inheritance process. Many heirs know that assets exist but have no information regarding where those assets are held or how much money is involved.
By obtaining the deceased person’s CNIC, approaching relevant institutions, seeking court assistance where necessary, and obtaining disclosure orders, heirs can identify financial assets that form part of the estate.
Once these assets are identified, a succession certificate can be obtained and the estate can be distributed according to the applicable law.
The ultimate goal is transparency, protection of inheritance rights, and ensuring that every lawful heir receives the share to which they are entitled.