FIR in Pakistan: Complete Guide to Process and Rights

Introduction: What Is an FIR and Why It Matters

The First Information Report (FIR) is the cornerstone of the criminal justice system of Pakistan. From the name, it defines itself as the beginning of a criminal case.

This guide covers the definition, process, rights, case law, and remedies for refusal or misuse.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know precisely how an FIR works, when it’s valid, and what your legal options are.

What Is FIR?

It is an official record of the first details regarding a cognizable offense, reported to the police station. The purpose of an this is to document the facts of an alleged crime and trigger an official investigation.

Cognizable Offence:

A cognizable offence is when the Police may arrest a person without a warrant. They are authorized to start an investigation into a cognizable case on their own and do not require any orders from the court to do so.

Non-cognizable Offence:

A non-cognizable offence is one in which a police officer cannot arrest without a warrant. The Police cannot investigate such an offence without the court’s permission.

Understanding FIR: The First Step Toward Justice in Pakistan

This section deeply explains the role of FIR in starting the criminal proceedings. It basically records the commission of the offence and all the subsequent proceedings till the final disposal of the case are dependent on it. It also helps to record the violation of the complainant’s rights. 

• FIR initiates the criminal justice system process.
• It ensures accountability in law enforcement.
• Example: In cases of theft, dacoity or murder, an FIR documents the incident promptly.

Legal Backbone: Section 154 CrPC Explained

Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC) defines FIR as the first information about a cognizable offence given to the police station officer. The provision requires that the information should be recorded if it discloses the commission of a cognizable offence. 

Key points:

• Relates to cognizable offences, such as murder or kidnapping, where the Police can act without the permission of a magistrate.
• Can be oral or written; the Police must write oral statements.
• Complainant/Informant must sign the statement.
• Police shall provide a free copy to the complainant.

Section 154(1) CrPC states: “Every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence… shall be reduced to writing”.

Information in Cognizable Cases:

If a cognizable offence has been committed;

• Information shall be given to the concerned SHO.
• He should reduce the information in writing.
• He may write it himself or may depute such a duty to his subordinate.
• It shall be signed or thumb-marked by the informant/complainant مدعی/مستغيث
• It shall be read over and explained to the informant.
• This information shall be entered into a book (register) kept in the Police station, commonly known as the Register or Register of FIR.
• The police officer cannot refuse to register the case of a cognizable offence.
• If the police officer refuses, the party may avail the remedy under Section 22 A/B CrPC (Justice of Peace).
• FIR is a public document which shall remain in the proper custody of a public servant, and anyone can obtain a copy of it after adopting the prescribed procedure (on payment of the usual charges for such purpose).
• It may be used to support the prosecution’s case or to contradict the informant’s evidence at the time of the crime. So, this document is essential for all parties involved in the case.
• It only sets the law into motion and is not a substantive piece of evidence.
• Such information may be communicated orally or in writing.
• FIR may be lodged (registered) promptly or with delay. If it is delayed, the delay shall be reasonably explained. Unexplained or inordinate delay makes the FIR doubtful. However, it cannot vitiate the right to register the FIR, which means no limitation period has been prescribed by law for reporting the crime to the Police.
• After a preliminary investigation, FIR in cognizable offences is inadmissible. Suppose such information has been provided by a woman who is a victim of section 336B of PPC (hurt through corrosive material), section 354, 354A PPC (to outrage modesty of women), section 376 PPC (rape) and section 509 PPC (intimidation through sexual harassment). In that case, such information shall be recorded in the presence of a female police officer or a female family member of such a victim or any other person with her consent. Such information shall be recorded at her residence or a convenient place.
• Four copies shall be prepared as under;
• One shall be kept in the register.
• One shall be sent to the area magistrate.
• One shall be annexed to the file of investigation.
• One shall be handed over to the informant.

Note: Copy to the informant shall be provided free of cost.

Information on non-cognizable offences:

According to Section 155 CrPC, if information relates to a non-cognizable offence, the Police shall enter the substance of the information in the book kept in the police station. Such information shall be referred to the magistrate. Police can only investigate the matter after permission (sanction) from the magistrate.

Note:

If the Police disclose both offences, the procedure of cognizable offences shall apply.

Who Can File/Lodge a First Information Report and When It’s Legally Valid

Anyone knowledgeable about a commission of cognizable offence can file a First Information Report, including victims, witnesses, or any other person. The Police have the power to lodge an FIR under sections 154 and 155 of the CrPC 1898. The complainant can approach the nearest police station, provide details, and request the recording of an FIR:

• No relation to the victim required.
• Valid at any time, but prompt filing aids investigation.
• Not valid for non-cognizable offences without a magistrate’s order under Section 155 CrPC.

Example: A bystander saw two persons robbing a man, and he can report the robbery to the nearest Police Station.

The Police may not investigate a complaint even if you lodge an FIR, when:

• The case is not serious in nature.
• The Police feel that there is not enough ground to investigate.
• The police resources are already over-committed to investigating more serious offences.
• However, the Police must record the reasons for not conducting an investigation and in
• The latter case must inform the person. (Section 157 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898).

Modes of Information:

Fard Bayan (فرد بیان):

If information has been provided orally outside the police station, it shall be reduced to writing. This document is known as “Fard Bayan”. It shall be converted into a formal FIR.

• Istighasa (استغاثہ):
• If information has been provided in writing outside of the police station, it is called “Istighasa”. It shall be converted into a formal FIR.
• If information has been provided in writing within the police station, it is also called “Istighasa”. It shall be converted into a formal FIR.

How to File/lodge a First Information Report in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Process)

Follow these steps for registration:

1. Visit the nearest police station.
2. Report details to the duty officer.
3. Give an oral or written statement; the Police write oral ones.
4. Verify and sign the statement.
5. Get a free FIR copy.

Sketch of First Information Report:

• FIR number
• Police station
• Year
• District
• Date and time of occurrence.
• Date and time of information received by the Police.
• Particulars of the first informant
• Offences made out from such informants.
• Place of occurrence
• The distance between the place of occurrence and the police station, along with the direction.
• Particulars of the person who recorded the FIR.
• Story (details of facts)
• Police proceedings
• The signature of the authorised officer, along with the complainant, is required.

Police Responsibilities After Registration (Your Rights Matter)

After registration, the Police must investigate under Section 157 CrPC. The Police are also required to follow the following steps:

• Send the FIR copy to the magistrate within 24 hours.
• Investigate without delay.
• Record statements and collect evidence.

Example: In murder cases, the Police must visit the scene.

What to Do If Police Refuse to Register Your First Information Report

Refusal to register FIR violates Section 154 CrPC. Remedies that exist under the law are stated as follows:

• Complaint to the Superintendent of Police.
• Apply under Section 22-A(6) CrPC to a justice of the peace in order to hold the Police accountable and get an order from the court to register an FIR.
• Private Complaint Cases can also be filed under Section 200 of the CrPC.

Case: In Muhammad Bashir v. Station House Officer (PLD 2007 SC 539), the Supreme Court directed registration for cognizable offences.

Filing False First Information Report: Legal Punishments and Penalties You Must Know

Filing a false FIR leads to penalties under Sections 182 and 211 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

• Section 182 PPC: Up to 6 months imprisonment for false information.
• Section 211 PPC: Up to 2 years for false charges with intent to injure.
• Civil damages are possible if a suit is initiated under civil law.

Example: Malicious property dispute FIR.

FIR vs. Complaint vs. Daily Diary (Roznamcha) — What’s the Difference?

FIR differs from a complaint and a roznamcha in purpose and effect.

FIR	Complaint	Roznamcha
Formal registration of cognizable offences starts an investigation.	The informal information provided to the Police, oral or in writing. See the section on modes of information.	The daily police log is not formal like an FIR. It records the everyday processes of the Police.

Rights After Registration Of First Information Report : Protection for Both Complainant and Accused

After registration of the FIR, the complainant and the accused have several rights. The Police fully ensure that the investigation is started and the accused is arrested, while the accused has the right of bail before arrest or anticipatory bail.

How an FIR Impacts Investigation, Arrest, and Bail Proceedings

FIR starts investigation under Section 157 CrPC. It affects arrest and bail. It:

• Leads to evidence collection and possible arrest.
• Bail: Courts assess FIR merits.
• Example: Weak FIR may lead to bail grant.
• Calculation: Bail bond amounts vary by offence; e.g., for bailable offences, release on bond as per Schedule II CrPC.

FIR Cancellation and Quashing: Complete Legal Procedure

FIR can be cancelled by the Police or quashed by the court if it is baseless in the following cases:

• If the Police submit a cancellation report to the magistrate for lack of evidence or malicious intent of the complainant.
• The High Court can quash an FIR under Article 199 of the Constitution if it’s baseless and done with a malicious intention.

Important Case Laws Defining FIR Practice in Pakistan

• Muhammad Bashir v. SHO (PLD 2007 SC 539): Mandatory registration.
• Sughran Bibi v. State: On second FIR .
• Supreme Court on delays: Equates delay to refusal.
• Example: Khizar Hayat v. State on evidence.

Conclusion: Building a Fair Justice System Starts with Awareness

Understanding what an FIR is and its role in the legal system is crucial for protecting one’s rights. An FIR in Pakistan is the first step toward seeking justice, and knowing how to file one correctly ensures proper legal action against offenders. Victims can approach higher authorities or the court for redressal if an FIR is not registered.

This guide provides a clear overview of FIR Pakistan, its significance, and legal aspects. Awareness of FIR’s complete form, process, and implications can help individuals navigate the justice system effectively.

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References

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, Section 154. Pakistan Code. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.ma-law.org.pk/pdflaw/CrPC.pdf

Research Society of International Law. Investigation. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://rsilpak.org/resource-bank-pakistans-criminal-justice-system/investigation/

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. ma-law.org.pk. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.ma-law.org.pk/pdflaw/CrPC.pdf

Reporting a crime: Take a FIR[m] step. The Express Tribune. Published September 28, 2014. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://tribune.com.pk/story/766588/reporting-a-crime-take-a-firm-step

How to register an FIR in Pakistan? Consultalawyer.pk. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://consultalawyer.pk/how-to-register-an-fir-in-pakistan/

FIR in Pakistan: A Complete Legal Guide. Lawyers In Karachi. Published August 29, 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://lawyersinkarachi.com/fir/

22-A & 22-B. Advocate General Punjab. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://advocategeneral.punjab.gov.pk/22A_22B

F.I.R. DENIAL BY POLICE: A LEGAL AND ETHICAL DILEMMA. ResearchGate. Published December 1, 2023. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376085851_FIR_DENIAL_BY_POLICE_A_LEGAL_AND_ETHICAL_DILEMMA

P L D 2007 Supreme Court 539. Scribd. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.scribd.com/document/863830307/P-L-D-2007-Supreme-Court-539

First Information Report (FIR), Sughran Bibi Case. SPCR. Published June 30, 2020. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://real.spcrd.org/index.php/real/article/view/36

Sughran Bibi Case. LUMS. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://sahsol.lums.edu.pk/node/12853

Supreme Court slams widespread police delays in FIR registration. VoicePK. Published July 15, 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://voicepk.net/2025/07/supreme-court-slams-widespread-police-delays-in-fir-registration/

CASE ANALYSIS OF LANDMARK JUDGMENT: KHIZAR HAYAT V STATE. Jus Scriptum. Published December 17, 2024. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.jusscriptumlaw.com/post/case-analysis-of-landmark-judgment-khizar-hayat-v-state-falsus-in-uno-falsus-in-omnibus-how-it