How to File an FIR in Pakistan: Complete Guide (Online & Police Station)

Learning how to file an FIR in Pakistan is the first step toward justice if you are a victim of theft, fraud, assault, or any serious crime. An FIR (First Information Report) under Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) officially starts the police investigation. Without it, the police cannot arrest the accused or begin a formal inquiry.

Quick answer: To file an FIR in Pakistan, visit the police station where the crime happened (or file online through your province's police portal), give a clear written account of the incident with date, time, place and names, get it recorded under Section 154 CrPC, and always take a free copy of the registered FIR for your record.

What Is an FIR Under Section 154 CrPC?

An FIR is the written document the police prepare when they receive information about a cognizable offence — a serious crime like theft, robbery, murder, kidnapping, or fraud, where the police can arrest without a court warrant. Section 154 of the CrPC requires the officer in charge of a police station to record this information and register a formal case.

Once registered, the FIR becomes the foundation of the entire criminal case: investigation, arrest, charge sheet, and trial all flow from it.

How to File an FIR at a Police Station in Pakistan

Step 1: Go to the right police station

Visit the police station that covers the area where the crime took place, not where you live. Filing within a few hours or days of the incident is important — long, unexplained delays can weaken your case later.

Step 2: Give a clear, written account

Write or dictate a simple statement covering:

  • Date, time, and exact place of the incident
  • What happened, in sequence
  • Names of the accused (if known) and witnesses
  • Value and details of any stolen property

Stick to facts. Don't exaggerate or leave out details, even small ones.

Step 3: Get the FIR read back to you

Ask the officer (or someone you trust) to read the written FIR aloud. Listen carefully. This is your legal right, and correcting errors now is far easier than fixing them later.

Step 4: Sign or thumb-mark the document

Once satisfied, sign the FIR — or place your thumb impression if you cannot read or write.

Step 5: Take your free copy

The police must give you a copy of the FIR free of cost. Keep it safe. It is your proof that the case was registered and contains your FIR number.

How to File an FIR Online in Pakistan

Every province now runs an online complaint system:

  • Punjab: Punjab Police e-FIR portal and the Punjab Police app
  • Sindh: Sindh Police complaint management system
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: KP Police online complaint portal
  • Balochistan: Balochistan Police e-complaint portal
  • Islamabad: Islamabad Police online complaint service

The online process is simple:

  1. Open your province's police portal and find "Online FIR" or "E-Complaint".
  2. Create an account or log in with your CNIC, name, and mobile number.
  3. Fill in the incident details — date, time, location, and description.
  4. Upload evidence like photos, videos, screenshots, or document scans.
  5. Submit and save the reference/acknowledgment number for tracking.

Note that online complaints are first reviewed — the concerned police station may contact you for verification before a formal FIR number is issued.

What If the Police Refuse to Register Your FIR?

This happens more often than it should. If the station refuses:

  1. Ask for the reason in writing and note the officer's name.
  2. Complain to the DPO/SP of your district — senior officers can order registration.
  3. Use the provincial online complaint portal to lodge your complaint.
  4. Approach the Sessions Court under Section 22-A/22-B CrPC through a lawyer — the court can direct the police to register the FIR.

Never pay a bribe to get an FIR registered. Registration of a genuine complaint about a cognizable offence is your right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing an FIR

  • Naming the wrong offence — describe what happened; let the police and lawyer settle the legal sections.
  • Delaying without reason — report as soon as possible.
  • Leaving without a copy — always collect your copy before you leave.
  • Changing your story later — contradictions between the FIR and court statements damage your case.
  • Filing a false FIR — a false report is itself a punishable offence under the Pakistan Penal Code.