In Pakistan, registering an FIR is simpler than most people believe. If you have witnessed a crime or have been a victim of one, you must file an FIR as soon as possible with your local police station so that the authorities can begin their investigation.
Here’s everything you need to know about filing an FIR in Pakistan, tracking its progress, and more.
What is an FIR?
A First Information Report, or FIR, is a written document prepared by the police that contains information about the commission of a crime. This report is typically filed by the victim, a witness, or someone with knowledge of the crime. A police officer who becomes aware of the crime may also file an FIR.
Contrary to belief, it is not necessary to provide a written report to the police in order to file an FIR in Pakistan. Instead, the crime can be reported orally or over the phone. It is the police’s responsibility to register an FIR without any excuses or delays.
In fact, neglecting to file an FIR is a crime that can lead to disciplinary action against the officer in question.
Filing an FIR is critical because the police can only begin investigating an incident once a report has been filed. As a result, an FIR is one of the most important legal documents that initiate the criminal justice process.
It is also important to note that an FIR can only be filed for a cognizable offense where the police have the authority to initiate an investigation without the need for court orders. When it comes to cognizable offenses, the police have the authority to arrest someone without a warrant.
Who can file an FIR in Pakistan?
The following individuals have the authority to file an FIR in Pakistan:
- The victim against whom the crime was committed
- The eyewitness who witnessed the crime being committed
- The person who is aware that the offense has been committed
According to a citizen’s guide published by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) Pakistan, the police may refuse to investigate an incident even after an FIR has been filed if it is not serious or if the authorities believe there is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation. The police may also refrain from taking action if all of their resources have been allocated to investigating more serious offenses.
How to file an FIR in Pakistan?
Here is a step-by-step guide to filing an FIR in Pakistan in accordance with Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
Step 1: You must go to or call a police station to report the commission of a cognizable offense.
Step 2: Request that the police officer read the report to you after he or she has recorded the information and prepared it. Please keep in mind that you have the right to review the contents of the FIR.
Step 3: Double-check the information recorded by the police to ensure that it includes all of the information you provided.
Step 4: Sign the report once all of the details have been verified so that it can be registered.
Step 5: Complainants who are unable to read or write must instead register their left thumb impression.
Step 6: Request a copy of the FIR from the police. It must be provided at no cost.
Islamabd citizen can file online FIR
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have reportedly launched an online system that will allow residents of the federal capital to access all police-related services without leaving their homes. The recently implemented Complaint Management System (CMS) will also allow Islamabad residents to register their FIRs online.
The CMS, according to Inspector General ICT Police Muhammad Ahsan Younas, will provide the following services:
- FIR registration
- Concerns about the investigation
- Complaint against public officials
- Inform the authorities about crimes against women and children.
- Complaint about traffic
Furthermore, overseas Pakistanis and foreigners will be able to file complaints through the new online system. It is also worth noting that the CMS will provide citizens with an e-tag number via WhatsApp or text message in order for them to track the progress.
How to File Online Police Complaints in Pakistan?
You can also file online police complaints in Pakistan by going to the official websites of provincial law enforcement agencies. The new electronic system has made it easier to file complaints and track their status in terms of arrests and recovery. These databases are also linked to NADRA and the Police Human Resource Management Information System, among others, to ensure data consistency across all systems.
Let’s look at the procedure for filing an online complaint in Pakistan.
Filing an Online Complaint in Islamabad
Residents of Islamabad can file a complaint by visiting the Islamabad Police Department’s official website and clicking on ‘Submit a Complaint’ in the top navigation panel. It will take you to the Online Complaint System, where you must enter your name, address, contact information, CNIC number, city, nature of the complaint, and complaint details in the appropriate fields. Please click the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom of the page once you have entered all of the necessary information.
The Islamabad Police Department has also launched a Complaint Management System, which allows citizens to file FIRs from the comfort of their own homes.
Filing an online complaint in Punjab
To file an online police complaint in Punjab, go to the Punjab Police website and scroll down to the ‘Lodge e-Complaint’ button. You will then be redirected to a new page where you can either track your complaint or register one.
If you choose to register a new complaint, you will be asked to fill in the blank fields with your name, CNIC number, and phone number before clicking ‘Submit.’
You can also file a complaint by calling or texting 8787.
Reopen the Punjab Police website and hover your cursor over the ‘Request’ box to generate a copy of your FIR. To proceed, select ‘Copy of FIR’ from the drop-down menu.
Filing an Online Complaint in Sindh
To file a complaint against a cognizable offense in Sindh, go to the Sindh Police website and select ‘Complaint Management System’ from the list of quick links on the main page to be taken to the online complaint portal. Once there, enter your CNIC in the relevant field and click the ‘Next’ button to begin registering your complaint.
You can also check the status of your police complaint on the same website.
Filing Online Complaints in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Visit the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Department’s official website and select ‘Online FIR’ from the left-hand navigation panel. When the webform opens, carefully fill in your information, including your name, father’s name, CNIC number, landline number, mobile number, address, home district, home police station, date of the incident, and incident details, among other things, to file an online FIR.
To check the status of your FIR online, go to the left-hand navigation panel and click on e-FIR, then enter your CNIC number in the blank field before pressing the ‘Search’ button.
To file an online complaint in Balochistan, go to the provincial police website and click on the ‘e-complaint’ tab on the main page.
You can use this form to file an online complaint with any of the province’s 33 districts. You can also upload multiple files and documents to the portal if necessary.
Furthermore, you can file a complaint by calling or texting 8787.
What does an FIR includes?
Now that we’ve covered everything there is to know about filing an FIR in Pakistan, let’s take a look at its basic structure. Typically, a First Information Report will include the following information:
- Person’s name who filed the FIR
- The name and address also required who filed the FIR
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- True information about the incident
- Weapons use if any
- Person(s) involved in the incident, including their names and descriptions
- If there are any witnesses, their names should be included.
- Witnesses’ addresses, if any
Hoprfully this article gives all the answers of questions in your mind regarding this topis.stay true for more information about different current issues in Pakistan.
