What to Do If Police Refuse to File Your FIR in Pakistan

Step-by-step practical remedies if the police delay or refuse to register your First Information Report (FIR). Includes immediate actions, escalation options, evidence checklist and a ready-to-print complaint letter.

Quick summary — do this first

1. Give a short written complaint to the duty officer and ask for a stamped receipt.
2. Ask them to enter your statement in the Station Diary / General Diary (GD).
3. If refused, try filing at another police station (a “Zero FIR”) near you.
4. Use provincial police complaint portals or helplines and save the acknowledgement.

Immediate practical steps (detailed)

1. Submit a written statement at the station. Hand the SHO a short dated note with your name, CNIC, contact, date/time/place of the incident and a one-paragraph fact summary. Request a stamped copy or receipt.
2. Demand entry in the Station Diary (GD). Ask the duty officer to record your information in the GD; if they refuse, request the senior officer on duty (DSP/SDPO).
3. File at another station (Zero FIR). You may lodge the FIR at any station — it should then be transferred to the station of occurrence.
4. Use online complaint systems. Many provinces offer IGP complaint portals / helplines — file there and keep the complaint ID for follow-up.

Why this matters: Police are legally obliged to record information about cognizable offences. A written, dated complaint and a GD entry create a record that you reported the matter even if the FIR is delayed.

Escalation options if police still refuse

1. Write to the DPO / SSP / Senior Officer (email + registered post with proof of delivery). Attach your written complaint and ask for registration.
2. File a private criminal complaint under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a Magistrate — the magistrate can summon the accused or direct police to investigate.
3. Apply under judicial remedies such as seeking directions from the Sessions Judge or filing an appropriate application under provisions like Section 22-A CrPC where available.
4. Approach the High Court (writ petition) if lower remedies fail and there is denial of justice — do this with a lawyer.
5. For cyber matters: File in parallel with FIA/NR3C (complaint.fia.gov.pk) or relevant cyber authority.

Evidence & documentation checklist

• Short written complaint handed to the police (stamped copy if provided).
• Photographs, videos, screenshots, chat exports and transaction receipts.
• Names and contact details of witnesses; witness written statements if possible.
• Record officer names, dates and times of visits or calls to police.
• Proof of sending letters/emails to DPO or higher authorities (postal receipts, delivery confirmation, sent emails).

Sample letter you can hand to the SHO (print & fill)

To: Station House Officer, Police Station _________________

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

From: __________________________

CNIC: _________________________

Contact: _______________________

Address: _______________________

Subject: Request to register FIR — [brief title, e.g., Theft / Assault / Fraud]

Sir / Madam,

On [date] at [time] at/near [place] the following incident occurred: [one-sentence summary of the incident].

I request that you kindly register an FIR under the appropriate sections and initiate investigation. Attached are the names of witnesses and supporting documents [list attachments]. If you decline to register an FIR, please indicate the reason for refusal in writing.

Please provide an acknowledgement and FIR number after registration.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your name]

    

Sample short application for magistrate (Section 200 CrPC) — outline

This is a simplified outline — a lawyer should draft the formal petition.

Before the Magistrate, Court of _________________

Applicant: [Your Name], CNIC: [xxxxx-xxxxxxx-x]

Subject: Private complaint under Section 200 CrPC for non-registration of FIR

Facts:

1. On [date] at [place] the following occurred: [brief facts].

2. I reported the matter to SHO at Police Station [name] on [date]; the SHO refused to register FIR despite cognizable offence.

Relief sought:

- Direct the SHO / police to register FIR under appropriate sections.

- Direct police to investigate and produce report before this Hon'ble Court.

[Signature]

[Your name & contact]

    

Where else to complain (agency-specific)

• Provincial IGP complaint cell / police helpline (search your province’s official portal).
• Anti-Corruption or Police Vigilance cells for complaints against police conduct.
• For cybercrime: NR3C / FIA online complaint portal (complaint.fia.gov.pk).
• Ombudsman or Citizen Complaint Cells (province-specific) for administrative lapses.

When to consult a lawyer

Get legal assistance if:

• Police persistently refuse to register an FIR despite written complaints.
• There are threats, intimidation or risk to personal safety.
• You need to file a private complaint, or approach a Sessions / High Court for directions.

Safety tip: If you face immediate danger or threats, prioritise personal safety — call emergency services or visit the nearest police office with a trusted person. Consider recording interactions (audio/video) if lawful and safe in your area.

Practical one-page checklist to carry to the police station

• Printed written complaint (one short page).
• Copy of CNIC and ID of complainant.
• List of witnesses and their contacts.
• Any immediate evidence (photos, screenshots, receipts) on a USB or printed copies.
• Pen and notebook to note officer name, badge number and GD entry.
• Registered post receipt or email copy if you write to DPO/SSP.

Short timeline you can follow

1. Day 0: Give written complaint at station and request GD entry; get receipt.
2. Day 1–3: If no FIR, file complaint through IGP portal and send a registered letter to DPO.
3. Day 3–7: If still no action, file private complaint before magistrate or seek court directions via lawyer.

Disclaimer: This guide explains common steps and practical remedies but is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific assistance consult a licensed lawyer. Laws and procedures may change.

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