DNA and Genetic Testing in Pakistan: Visas, Paternity, Inheritance and Thalassaemia

Where can I get a DNA test in Pakistan for a UK visa or paternity?

DNA tests in Pakistan can be collected in major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Mirpur. Where the result is used decides which test you need. London Diagnostics Clinic arranges legal DNA testing for UK visas and British passports, private peace of mind tests, and thalassaemia carrier screening for families in Pakistan and the UK diaspora.

• For UK visas and passports, the test must use an ISO 17025-accredited lab and approved, ID-checked collection. We coordinate the UK sponsor and the relative in Pakistan as one case.
• Pakistani courts treat paternity DNA cautiously. Article 128 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order gives children born within a valid marriage a strong legal presumption of legitimacy.
• Thalassaemia is a major issue. An estimated 5–7% of people in Pakistan carry a thalassaemia gene change, and premarital screening laws are expanding.
• Private tests are for personal answers only. They can't be used for visas or courts.

Speak to our team today.

• Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
• WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
• Phone: +44 2081500059

Why do families in Pakistan and the UK need DNA tests?

Millions of families have members in both Pakistan and the UK. DNA testing often comes up when documents and family lives cross borders.

Under UK Home Office policy, DNA evidence is always voluntary and cannot be required. When documents are weak, though, it is often the quickest way to resolve doubts.

Can DNA be used to prove or disprove paternity in Pakistani courts?

Only in limited circumstances. Pakistani courts are cautious about using DNA to question a child's paternity.

Article 128 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order 1984 treats a child born at least six lunar months after a valid marriage, or within two years after it ends, as the legitimate child of the husband. Courts have relied on this presumption to refuse requests for DNA tests in paternity disputes. The Supreme Court has indicated that DNA testing can be used only in limited situations.

In practice:

• Challenging a child born within a marriage with DNA is very difficult in Pakistani courts.
• Property and inheritance cases are sometimes more open to DNA evidence, depending on the facts.
• Pakistan has no specific law setting out how much weight DNA evidence carries, so judges decide case by case.
• Abroad, the rules are different. A DNA result for a UK visa, British passport or UK court is judged under UK rules, not Article 128.

If you are thinking of using DNA in a Pakistani family or inheritance case, speak to a Pakistani lawyer first.

Which DNA test do you need for immigration from Pakistan?

The receiving country's rules decide the test. This is the position as of October 2026. Always check current rules with an immigration adviser before testing.

A test that's right for one country can be useless for another, so tell us where the result is going before you book.

Thalassaemia and genetic health testing in Pakistan

Thalassaemia is one of Pakistan's biggest preventable genetic health problems. An estimated 5–7% of the population carry a thalassaemia gene change, around 9.8 million people, and thousands of children are born with thalassaemia major every year.

How it is inherited: carriers are usually healthy. If both parents are carriers, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of a child with thalassaemia major, a 50% chance of a carrier child and a 25% chance of an unaffected child.

Cousin marriage and risk: cousin marriage is common in Pakistan, and couples who are related are more likely to carry the same gene changes. Screening gives couples information before they marry or plan a pregnancy.

The law is changing:

• Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have passed laws authorising premarital screening, although implementation has been patchy.
• Punjab has brought forward a Prevention and Control of Thalassemia Bill.
• In March 2026, the National Assembly passed a bill mandating premarital screening of brides, grooms and their blood relatives in Islamabad, with nikah registrars required to collect and keep the reports.

British Pakistani families can arrange screening in the UK or in Pakistan, and results should always be explained by a doctor or genetic counsellor.

How does DNA testing between the UK and Pakistan work?

1. Tell us who is being tested, where, and why. We confirm the right test and the standard needed.
2. UK collection. The sponsor gives a cheek swab in London or at a collection site near them, with photo ID checked.
3. Pakistan collection. The relative gives their sample in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mirpur or another city, with photo ID checked by an approved collector.
4. Secure transport of both samples to the accredited laboratory, accompanied where needed.
5. Your report, sent to you or your solicitor and ready to submit.

Why London Diagnostics Clinic leads in DNA testing for Pakistani families

• Leaders in worldwide cross-border testing. We specialise in families split between the UK, Pakistan and beyond.
• The right test for the right authority. We check what the Home Office or other authority expects before anyone is tested.
• Legal-standard collection with photo ID, witnessed sampling and a documented chain of custody.
• Relationship DNA and genetic health in one place, from visa DNA to thalassaemia screening.
• Discreet and confidential, with results shared only with you and the people you authorise.

Ready to start? Our team will guide you through every step.

• Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
• WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
• Phone: +44 2081500059

For immigration solicitors and family lawyers

We work with UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in Pakistan on visa, passport and inheritance cases.

• One instruction covering the UK sponsor and relatives in Pakistan
• Approved, ID-checked collection with a documented chain of custody
• Reports ready for the Home Office, tribunals or courts outside Pakistan
• Extended-family testing where a parent has died or is unavailable

Email contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com with "Pakistan case" in the subject line.

Fees

Fees are a guide only and exclude visa, legal and court fees.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a DNA test in Pakistan for a UK visa? Collection can be arranged in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Mirpur, with photo ID checks and chain of custody, through an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.

Will a Pakistani court accept a DNA test to deny paternity? Rarely. Article 128 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order gives a strong presumption of legitimacy to children born within a valid marriage, and courts often refuse DNA requests in these cases.

Can DNA be used in an inheritance dispute in Pakistan? Sometimes. Courts have been more open to DNA in property and inheritance cases, depending on the facts. Speak to a Pakistani lawyer first.

Is thalassaemia testing compulsory before marriage in Pakistan? It depends on where you marry. Several provinces have screening laws, and in March 2026 the National Assembly passed a bill mandating premarital screening in Islamabad. Implementation varies.

Can my relative in Pakistan and I be tested in different countries? Yes. We collect in the UK and in Pakistan and send both samples to the same accredited laboratory.

Can Pakistanis currently get US immigrant visas? US immigrant visa issuance for Pakistani nationals has been paused since 21 January 2026. Check the latest position with a US immigration lawyer before testing.

Is a home DNA kit accepted for immigration? No. Immigration needs a legal test with ID checks and chain of custody.

Book your DNA or thalassaemia test

Whether you need a DNA test for a UK visa, proof of family for an inheritance, private answers or thalassaemia screening before marriage, we'll guide you to the right test and handle every step between the UK and Pakistan.

• Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
• WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
• Phone: +44 2081500059
• Website: [londondiagnosticsclinic.com]

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal, immigration, medical, financial or other professional advice. Speak to a qualified lawyer, immigration adviser, doctor or genetic counsellor about your situation.