How to File an FIR Correctly and What to Do If Police Refuse in Pakistan (2026 Guide)
A First Information Report (FIR) is the formal record of information given to the police regarding the commission of a cognizable offence. In Pakistan, Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898 deals with information relating to cognizable offences and the registration of an FIR.
Citizens may sometimes face delays, refusal, or difficulties when approaching the police. This guide explains the basic procedure for reporting a cognizable offence and the legal remedies that may be available when registration is refused.
What Is an FIR?
An FIR is the initial formal information recorded by the police concerning a cognizable offence. It sets the criminal investigation process in motion, although registration of an FIR does not itself establish the guilt of the accused.
Examples of cognizable offences may include certain cases involving theft, robbery, hurt, murder, rape, and other offences classified as cognizable under the applicable law.
How to File an FIR Correctly
1. Approach the Relevant Police Station
Generally, you should approach the police station having territorial jurisdiction over the place where the alleged offence occurred. In appropriate circumstances, however, information may be received by police and transferred to the competent police station according to applicable procedure.
2. Give the Information in Writing or Orally
Under Section 154 CrPC, information relating to a cognizable offence may be given orally or in writing. A written application is often useful because it creates a clear record of the facts reported.
Your application should, as far as possible, contain:
- Full name and contact details of the complainant
- CNIC details where required
- Date and approximate time of the incident
- Place where the incident occurred
- A clear and chronological description of the incident
- Name and identifying details of the accused, if known
- Description of unknown accused persons where their identities are not known
- Names and details of witnesses, if any
- Details of stolen, damaged, or disputed property, where relevant
- Details of injuries and available medical evidence, where applicable
3. Carefully Check the Recorded FIR
If your information is recorded by the police, carefully check the contents to ensure that the important facts have been accurately recorded. Under Section 154 CrPC, the information recorded is subject to the procedure prescribed by law, including reading over and authentication by the informant.
Do not sign or authenticate a document without first checking what has been recorded.
4. Obtain a Copy of the FIR
The informant should obtain a copy of the registered FIR and keep it safely. Record the FIR number, date, police station, and sections of law mentioned in it.
5. Keep Proof of Your Complaint
If the FIR is not immediately registered, keep evidence showing that you approached the police. Depending on local procedure, this may include a receiving stamp, diary/Roznamcha entry number, acknowledgement, postal receipt, or other proof of submission.
What If Police Refuse to Register an FIR?
If the information provided discloses a cognizable offence, the refusal to record it can be challenged through the remedies available under Pakistani criminal procedure.
| Remedy | Forum | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint to Senior Police Officer | DPO / SSP / DIG or competent senior officer | Submit a written complaint explaining the refusal and attach proof of your earlier application. |
| Section 22-A / 22-B CrPC | Sessions Judge / Additional Sessions Judge acting as Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace | An application may be made seeking appropriate directions concerning non-registration of a criminal case. |
| Private Complaint | Competent Magistrate | A complaint may be filed under the applicable provisions, including Section 200 CrPC, where appropriate. |
| Constitutional Petition | High Court | Constitutional jurisdiction may be invoked in appropriate cases where legal requirements for such relief are satisfied. |
Section 22-A CrPC: An Important Remedy
Section 22-A CrPC provides a mechanism through which an Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace can issue appropriate directions concerning certain police-related matters, including the non-registration of a criminal case where the legal requirements are satisfied.
In practice, a person may approach the relevant Sessions Court or Additional Sessions Court, depending on the local jurisdiction and designation of the Justice of the Peace.
The application should normally be supported by relevant documents, such as:
- Copy of the application submitted to the SHO
- Proof of submission or receipt, where available
- Copy of any complaint submitted to senior police officers
- Relevant documents and evidence supporting the allegation
- CNIC or other required identification documents
Practical Sequence to Follow
- Prepare a clear written application describing the alleged offence.
- Submit it to the relevant police station and retain proof of submission.
- If registration is refused or no appropriate action is taken, approach the competent senior police officer.
- If necessary, consult an advocate regarding an application under Section 22-A CrPC.
- Keep copies of every application, receipt, notice, and document.
- Consider other available legal remedies, including a private complaint or constitutional proceedings, where appropriate.
Important Tips for a Strong FIR Application
- Be factual: State what actually happened without exaggeration.
- Follow chronology: Explain events in the order in which they occurred.
- Give specific details: Mention dates, times, places, names, and other relevant facts where known.
- Preserve evidence: Keep photographs, videos, medical reports, messages, call records, documents, and other relevant material.
- Identify witnesses: Mention witnesses who can provide relevant information.
- Do not fabricate facts: A knowingly false complaint can expose a person to legal consequences.
What If the FIR Contains Wrong or Missing Facts?
If the registered FIR does not accurately reflect the information provided, consult a criminal-law advocate regarding the appropriate remedy. Depending on the circumstances, further statements, investigation material, supplementary reports, or other legal proceedings may become relevant.
For this reason, it is important to keep a copy of your original written application and all supporting evidence.
FIR and False Complaints
An FIR should never be used to make fabricated allegations or falsely implicate another person. False information may expose the complainant to criminal liability under applicable provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and other laws.
Always state facts honestly and distinguish what you personally know from information received from others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FIR registration free?
Registration of an FIR by the police does not ordinarily require payment of a government fee. A person should be cautious of anyone demanding money as an unofficial fee for registering an FIR.
Can police refuse to register an FIR?
If the information discloses a cognizable offence, Section 154 CrPC provides the statutory framework for recording that information. Where registration is refused, the complainant may use the remedies available under criminal procedure, including approaching senior police authorities and, where appropriate, the Justice of the Peace under Section 22-A CrPC.
Can I submit an FIR application in writing?
Yes. Information about a cognizable offence may be provided orally or in writing. A written application can be useful for maintaining a record of the facts reported.
Can I file an FIR online?
Some police departments provide online complaint or reporting facilities for particular categories of complaints. However, the availability and scope of online services vary by province and police department. For serious matters, follow the applicable official procedure for registration of the criminal case.
How long does a Section 22-A application take?
There is no single nationwide statutory timeline guaranteeing disposal within a fixed number of days. The time can vary depending on the court, district, workload, nature of the complaint, and circumstances of the case.
Need Help With FIR Registration?
If the police have refused to register your complaint, or you need assistance preparing an application under Section 22-A CrPC, timely legal advice can help you identify the appropriate procedural remedy.
Justify.pk provides legal guidance regarding FIR registration, Section 22-A proceedings, criminal complaints, and related criminal-procedure matters.
Book a consultation or WhatsApp/Call: 0300-0779014
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general legal information about FIR registration and criminal procedure in Pakistan. Procedures and local court practices may vary between provinces and districts. Whether an FIR is required, which police station has jurisdiction, and which remedy is appropriate depends on the facts and applicable law. This information is not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate.
