Legal Help · Published January 20, 2026
How to Complete FIR Registration in Pakistan
Getting an FIR "registered" and getting one properly completed aren't always the same thing. Here's exactly what a complete FIR must contain, and how to check yours actually is one before you walk out of the station.
Quick answer
Under Section 154 CrPC, a completed FIR records your details, the exact date/time/place, a clear factual narrative, details of the accused if known, the section(s) of law applied, and a formal FIR number — plus your signature or thumb impression on a narrative you've confirmed is accurate. You are entitled to a free copy. Confirm all of this before you leave the station, not after.
What a complete FIR must actually contain
Your full details as complainant
Name, CNIC number, address, and contact number — recorded accurately. A misspelled name or wrong CNIC digit can cause real problems later when the case moves to court.
The exact date, time, and place of the incident
Vague timing ("a few days ago, somewhere near the market") weakens an FIR. Give the most precise date, time, and location you can, and say clearly if you're estimating.
A clear, factual description of what happened
Stick to what you directly saw, heard, or experienced, in the order it happened. Avoid guessing at motives or legal conclusions — that's for investigation and trial, not the FIR narrative.
Names or descriptions of the accused, if known
If you don't know the person's name, a physical description, vehicle number, or any identifying detail still belongs in the FIR — you're not required to already know who did it.
The section(s) of law the officer records
The Station House Officer (SHO) decides which PPC section(s) apply based on your narrative — you can ask what section was recorded and note it down, but you're not expected to cite the law yourself.
Your signature or thumb impression, and the FIR number
Confirm the FIR has been assigned a number and book/register reference before you leave — an unnumbered or informally noted report is not a completed FIR.
The four checks to do before you leave the station
- Ask for a free certified copy of the FIR as filed — you are legally entitled to it, and it's your only independent record of exactly what was registered.
- Read the narrative back before you sign or give a thumb impression — check it matches what you actually said, not a shortened or altered version.
- Note the FIR number, the police station, and the date — you'll need these for any follow-up, including a Justice of the Peace application if things stall.
- If the officer records only some of what you reported, or downgrades a serious offence to a lesser one, say so on record and consider raising it with a senior officer or a lawyer promptly.
What Wakeel.org can help with
Helping you organize the facts of an incident into a clear, chronological narrative before you go to the station, and explaining what a complete FIR should contain, in plain English or Urdu.
What it cannot do
It cannot accompany you to the station, file the FIR on your behalf, or guarantee the police record it accurately — if the station pushes back, a licensed advocate is the right next step.
Frequently asked questions
What information is legally required to complete an FIR in Pakistan?
Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 requires the substance of the information disclosing a cognizable offence to be reduced to writing, read over to the informant, and signed by them. In practice, a properly completed FIR records the complainant's details, the date/time/place of the incident, a factual narrative, details of the accused (if known), the section(s) applied, and an FIR number.
How do I know if my FIR was completed correctly?
Before leaving the station, confirm it has an assigned FIR number, that the narrative read back to you matches what you reported, and that you've received a free copy. If any of these is missing, the FIR may not be properly completed — raise it immediately rather than assuming it will be fixed later.
Am I entitled to a free copy of my FIR?
Yes. Under Section 154 CrPC, the informant is entitled to a copy of the FIR free of cost. If a station refuses or asks for payment, that's worth noting and raising with a senior officer or a lawyer.
What if the officer records the wrong section or leaves out details I reported?
You can point this out on the spot and ask for it to be corrected before you sign. If it's already recorded and you believe it's materially wrong or incomplete, you can approach a senior police officer, or in serious cases, apply to the Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace under Sections 22-A/22-B CrPC — the same route used when police refuse to register an FIR at all.
Can Wakeel.org help me prepare before I go file an FIR?
Wakeel.org can help you organize the facts of an incident into a clear, chronological narrative, explain what a complete FIR should contain, and translate the process into plain English or Urdu. It cannot file the FIR for you, accompany you to the station, or guarantee the police record it correctly — a licensed advocate can help if the process runs into trouble.
General educational information, not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
About to file an FIR?
Describe what happened and Wakeel will help you organize it into a clear narrative — so you walk in prepared and walk out with a properly completed FIR.