To register an FIR in Pakistan, report the cognizable offence at the police station with jurisdiction — under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure the officer in charge is legally bound to record your report, read it back to you, take your signature and give you a free copy. If police refuse, the law gives you direct remedies, including an application to the Justice of Peace under Section 22-A CrPC.
This guide explains how to register an FIR in Pakistan, what it must contain, your rights, and the exact escalation path when police won’t cooperate.
What an FIR is (and what it is not)
The First Information Report (FIR) is the first recorded information of a cognizable offence — crimes like theft, robbery, assault or fraud where police can investigate and arrest without prior court permission. It sets the criminal process in motion. It is not proof of guilt, and for non-cognizable matters the police record a different entry and you may need a court complaint instead.
How to register an FIR — step by step
- Go to the police station having jurisdiction over the place where the offence occurred.
- Give your report orally or in writing to the officer in charge (SHO); if oral, the officer must write it down.
- Include the essentials — date, time, place, what happened, who was involved (if known), witnesses, and losses/injuries.
- Have it read back to you and verify the contents before signing.
- Get your free copy of the FIR — you are legally entitled to it, with the FIR number.
- Follow up with the investigating officer and keep records of all interactions.
If police refuse to register your FIR
- Send your complaint in writing to the District Police Officer / SSP, who can order registration.
- Apply to the Justice of Peace (the Sessions Judge / Additional Sessions Judge) under Section 22-A CrPC — the most used and effective remedy; the court can direct the SHO to register the FIR.
- File a private complaint before the Magistrate under the CrPC as an alternative route to bring the accused to trial.
- Use online complaint portals available in Punjab and other provinces to lodge and track complaints.
Your key rights during FIR registration
- The police cannot charge a fee for registering an FIR or for your copy.
- A woman complainant can request that her statement be recorded with appropriate arrangements.
- You can add details later through supplementary statements to the investigating officer.
- Deliberately false FIRs are themselves an offence — never exaggerate or fabricate.
FAQs on FIR Registration in Pakistan
Can police refuse to register an FIR?
They are bound to register a report of a cognizable offence under Section 154 CrPC; if they refuse, escalate to the SSP, apply under Section 22-A to the Justice of Peace, or file a private complaint before the Magistrate.
Is there a fee for FIR registration?
No. FIR registration and your copy of the FIR are free.
Can I register an FIR online in Pakistan?
Several provinces (notably Punjab) offer online complaint portals; serious matters still typically require attendance at the police station.
What if the FIR against me is false?
You can pursue quashment before the High Court and remedies against malicious prosecution — consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Does an FIR mean the accused is guilty?
No. An FIR only initiates investigation; guilt is decided by the court after trial.
What an FIR is (and what it is not)
The First Information Report (FIR) is the first recorded information of a cognizable offence — crimes like theft, robbery, assault or fraud where police can investigate and arrest without prior court permission. It sets the criminal process in motion. It is not proof of guilt, and for non-cognizable matters the police record a different entry and you may need a court complaint instead.
How to register an FIR — step by step
- Go to the police station having jurisdiction over the place where the offence occurred.
- Give your report orally or in writing to the officer in charge (SHO); if oral, the officer must write it down.
- Include the essentials — date, time, place, what happened, who was involved (if known), witnesses, and losses/injuries.
- Have it read back to you and verify the contents before signing.
- Get your free copy of the FIR — you are legally entitled to it, with the FIR number.
- Follow up with the investigating officer and keep records of all interactions.
If police refuse to register your FIR
- Send your complaint in writing to the District Police Officer / SSP, who can order registration.
- Apply to the Justice of Peace (the Sessions Judge / Additional Sessions Judge) under Section 22-A CrPC — the most used and effective remedy; the court can direct the SHO to register the FIR.
- File a private complaint before the Magistrate under the CrPC as an alternative route to bring the accused to trial.
- Use online complaint portals available in Punjab and other provinces to lodge and track complaints.
Your key rights during FIR registration
- The police cannot charge a fee for registering an FIR or for your copy.
- A woman complainant can request that her statement be recorded with appropriate arrangements.
- You can add details later through supplementary statements to the investigating officer.
- Deliberately false FIRs are themselves an offence — never exaggerate or fabricate.
FAQs on FIR Registration in Pakistan
Can police refuse to register an FIR?
They are bound to register a report of a cognizable offence under Section 154 CrPC; if they refuse, escalate to the SSP, apply under Section 22-A to the Justice of Peace, or file a private complaint before the Magistrate.
Is there a fee for FIR registration?
No. FIR registration and your copy of the FIR are free.
Can I register an FIR online in Pakistan?
Several provinces (notably Punjab) offer online complaint portals; serious matters still typically require attendance at the police station.
What if the FIR against me is false?
You can pursue quashment before the High Court and remedies against malicious prosecution — consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Does an FIR mean the accused is guilty?
No. An FIR only initiates investigation; guilt is decided by the court after trial.
Police refusing your FIR, or a false FIR filed against you? Saleem & Saleem’s criminal team handles 22-A petitions, quashment and trial defence.
