Filing a First Information Report (FIR) in Pakistan is your most important first step when a crime has been committed against you or someone you know. Without an FIR, police cannot legally investigate, courts cannot take cognizance, and justice cannot begin.
Yet thousands of Pakistanis face illegal refusals by police every year. This guide covers everything — what an FIR is, how to file it, what to do if police refuse, how to file one online, and how to get a court order if all else fails.
What Is an FIR (First Information Report)?
An FIR (First Information Report) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offence. It is the formal starting point of the criminal justice process in Pakistan and is governed under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898.
Once an FIR is registered, the police are legally obligated to investigate. It is also admissible as evidence in court under the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984.
Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable Offences — Know the Difference
The type of offence determines whether an FIR can be registered directly or requires a court complaint first:
| Feature | Cognizable Offence | Non-Cognizable Offence |
|---|---|---|
| FIR Registration | ✅ Police must register FIR | ❌ Requires court complaint |
| Arrest without warrant | ✅ Police can arrest | ❌ Warrant required |
| Investigation | ✅ Police investigate directly | Court orders needed |
| Examples | Murder, theft, robbery, kidnapping, rape, fraud, assault | Defamation, cheating (minor), public nuisance |
| Applicable Law | Section 154 CrPC | Section 155 CrPC |
Key point: If your case involves a cognizable offence, the police have no legal right to refuse registration of your FIR.
Who Can File an FIR in Pakistan?
Anyone can file an FIR in Pakistan — it is not restricted to the direct victim. The following people can lodge an FIR:
- The victim themselves
- A witness to the crime
- A family member or friend of the victim
- A police officer who witnesses or receives information about an offence
- Any concerned citizen with knowledge of a cognizable offence
Essential Information to Include in Your FIR
Before going to the police station, prepare the following details to ensure your FIR is legally complete and can withstand court scrutiny:
| # | Information Required | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your full name, CNIC, and address | Identifies the complainant |
| 2 | Date, exact time, and location of the incident | Establishes jurisdiction and timeline |
| 3 | Complete facts of what happened | Forms the basis of the investigation |
| 4 | Names, descriptions, or CNICs of suspect(s) | Helps police identify and locate accused |
| 5 | Names and contact details of witnesses | Supports corroboration in court |
| 6 | Description of weapons or tools used | Relevant for cognizable offence classification |
| 7 | Details of property lost or damage caused | Needed for theft/robbery/damage cases |
| 8 | Section of law you believe was violated (optional) | Helps ensure correct charges are applied |
Step-by-Step Procedure: How to File an FIR in Pakistan
Step 1: Go to the Relevant Police Station
Visit the police station that has territorial jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred — not where you live. The Station House Officer (SHO) is responsible for accepting your complaint.
Step 2: Submit Your Complaint (Oral or Written)
You can give your complaint verbally or in writing. If given verbally, the officer must write it down, read it back to you, and have you verify it. Under Section 154 CrPC, the police are legally bound to record it immediately.
Step 3: Sign the FIR or Provide Thumb Impression
Once the FIR is written, you must sign it or provide a thumb impression if you cannot write. Read the FIR carefully before signing — ensure the facts are recorded accurately. Do not sign anything that misrepresents or omits key details.
Step 4: Collect Your Free Copy of the FIR
Under Pakistani law, you are entitled to receive a free copy of the FIR immediately after it is registered. This copy has the FIR number, date, police station name, and the contents of your complaint. Keep this safe — it is critical for follow-ups, court proceedings, and legal action.
You can also obtain a copy of the FIR later from the District Prosecutor’s office, usually located near the district courts.
Step 5: Follow Up on the Investigation
After FIR registration, the investigating officer (IO) assigned to your case must investigate and submit a challan (charge sheet) to the court within the legally defined time. You have the right to know the progress of your case. If investigation is being delayed, approach the SHO or DSP.
How to File an FIR Online in Pakistan 2026
Several Pakistani provinces now offer online or app-based FIR filing systems. Here is a province-wise breakdown:
| Province / Region | Online FIR Platform | Contact / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) / Punjab Police App | Rescue 15 App, punjabpolice.gov.pk |
| Sindh | Sindh Police Online Complaint System | sindhpolice.gov.pk |
| KPK | KPK Police online complaint portal | kppolice.gov.pk |
| Islamabad (ICT) | ICT Police digital complaint system | islamabadpolice.gov.pk |
| Balochistan | Physical filing only (limited digital services) | Visit nearest police station |
Note: Online FIR systems are primarily for initial complaint registration. Physical follow-up at the police station is still usually required for serious cognizable offences.
What to Do If Police Refuse to Register Your FIR
Police refusal to register an FIR is illegal under Pakistani law and a punishable misconduct. If you face this situation, follow this escalation ladder:
Option 1: Approach Senior Police Officers
Submit a written application with diary number to the DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police), SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police), or DPO (District Police Officer) of your area. Always get a diary number when submitting any complaint at a police station — this is proof your complaint was received.
Option 2: File with District Public Safety Commission
Each district has a District Public Safety and Police Complaints Authority. You can file a formal complaint against the officer who refused to register your FIR. This body can take disciplinary action.
Option 3: Contact the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell
All four provinces operate CM complaint portals and hotlines. In Punjab, you can call 0800-02345 (CM Punjab complaint helpline) or submit online. These complaints are routed to the relevant IG Police office for action.
Option 4: File a 22-A Application in Court (Most Powerful Option)
If all else fails, you can file a petition under Section 22-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) directly in the court of the Sessions Judge. This is the most legally powerful option available to citizens.
The Sessions Judge will summon a police representative, hear both sides, and if satisfied, order the relevant police station to register your FIR immediately. Non-compliance by police after a court order constitutes contempt.
Pre-requisites Before Filing a 22-A Application:
- Submit your complaint at the relevant police station and obtain a diary number
- Submit the same complaint to a senior police officer (DSP/SSP) and obtain their diary number
- Attach copies of both complaints and their diary numbers with your 22-A petition
- File the petition in the court of the Sessions Judge having jurisdiction over the area
Important Dos and Don’ts When Filing an FIR
| ✅ DO | ❌ DON’T |
|---|---|
| File the FIR as soon as possible after the incident | Don’t delay — late FIRs are questioned in court |
| State facts clearly, accurately, and completely | Don’t exaggerate or fabricate any part of the FIR |
| Collect your free copy of the FIR immediately | Don’t leave without your copy |
| Note the FIR number and date | Don’t rely on memory alone |
| Hire a lawyer if the case is serious | Don’t sign anything you haven’t read or don’t understand |
| Keep diary numbers of all submissions | Don’t go without any written record of your visit |
Consequences of Filing a False FIR
Filing a false or fabricated FIR is a serious criminal offence in Pakistan. Under Section 182 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), giving false information to a public servant with intent to cause injury can result in:
- Imprisonment of up to 6 months
- A fine
- Or both
Courts also take a very dim view of false FIRs — they can result in the complainant being prosecuted and the accused being acquitted with costs awarded against the complainant.
Jurisdiction: What If Two Police Stations Dispute the Case?
Sometimes police stations refuse to register an FIR claiming they don’t have jurisdiction. Under Pakistani law, this is not an acceptable reason for refusal. The police must:
- Register the complaint and investigate immediately, even in cases of disputed jurisdiction
- Inform senior officers to resolve the jurisdictional question
- If jurisdiction is later confirmed to lie with another station, the case can be transferred and the original FIR cancelled — but the process must start regardless
Download: 22-A Application Sample (Court Petition for FIR Registration)
If you need to file a 22-A court petition to force FIR registration, you can download a sample application below to use as a reference template:
Related Guides You Should Read
Once your FIR is registered, you may also need:
- How to Get a Police Character Certificate in Pakistan 2026
- How to File a Complaint with Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman)
- How to Get a Succession Certificate Through Court in Pakistan 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the police refuse to register an FIR in Pakistan?
No — for cognizable offences, police are legally obligated under Section 154 CrPC to register the FIR without delay or conditions. Refusal is a punishable misconduct. If refused, escalate to the DSP/SSP, file with the District Public Safety Commission, or file a 22-A petition in Sessions Court.
2. Can I file an FIR online in Pakistan?
Yes, partially. Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Islamabad all have online complaint portals (Punjab Police App, Sindh Police portal, etc.). However, for serious cognizable offences, physical follow-up is still required. Online systems are best for initial lodging and to create a digital record.
3. What is a 22-A application and when do I need it?
A 22-A application is a petition filed in the court of the Sessions Judge under Section 22-A CrPC. It asks the court to direct police to register your FIR when police have illegally refused. It is the strongest legal tool available to a citizen in this situation and results in a court order that police must obey.
4. How long does it take to get an FIR registered?
In theory, an FIR should be registered immediately when you report a cognizable offence. In practice, straightforward cases are registered within hours. If there are complications or police resistance, using the escalation options outlined above, most cases are resolved within 1–3 days. A 22-A court order typically takes 1–2 weeks.
5. Is an FIR required for immoveable property disputes?
If the dispute involves a criminal element — such as illegal possession, fraud, forgery of documents, or violence — then yes, an FIR can and should be filed for the criminal aspects. Civil property disputes (ownership, boundaries) are handled separately through civil courts and revenue authorities.
6. Can I withdraw an FIR after filing it?
An FIR itself cannot simply be “withdrawn.” In cognizable offences, the state becomes the complainant once the FIR is registered, and the case proceeds regardless. However, in cases of compoundable offences (where law allows settlement between parties), a compromise can be reached. A lawyer’s advice is essential before attempting to compound any case.
7. What is the difference between an FIR and a private complaint?
An FIR is lodged at a police station and is used for cognizable offences — police then investigate. A private complaint is filed directly in a court (Judicial Magistrate) for non-cognizable offences or when police refuse to act. The court then takes cognizance directly and may order police to investigate.
8. What should I do if the FIR recorded by police contains errors?
Do not sign an FIR that contains errors. If you discover errors after signing, immediately submit a written complaint to the SHO requesting correction, and follow up with the DSP if the SHO is unresponsive. You can also inform the court at trial stage about discrepancies between what you stated and what was recorded.
