FIR in Pakistan — Registration, Copies & Quashing of False FIRs
The FIR (First Information Report) under Section 154 CrPC is where every criminal case begins — and where most cases are won or lost. Police must register an FIR disclosing a cognizable offence; if they refuse, a 22-A/B petition before the Justice of Peace compels them. Falsely implicated? Remedies run from cancellation in investigation to quashing by the Lahore High Court (s.561-A / Art. 199) — with bail before arrest as the immediate shield. IMAAR acts for complainants and accused, same-day.
- Attorney of the High Court
- Lahore Bar No. 7712-A
- Same-Day Action
- Strictly Confidential
For Complainants — When Police Won't Register Your FIR
- Written application first. A precise, lawyer-drafted complaint to the SHO under s.154 — vague applications get vague refusals.
- Escalation. Application to senior police officers (s.154(3) route) where the SHO refuses.
- 22-A/B petition. Before the Justice of Peace (Sessions Judge), seeking a direction to record the FIR — the workhorse remedy that gets FIRs registered.
- Private complaint. Where police remain unwilling, a direct complaint to the Magistrate bypasses them entirely — often the stronger route in documents-based offences.
- Investigation follow-up. Registration is the start, not the finish: we pursue the investigation so the case doesn't die in a file.
For the Accused — Fighting a False FIR
| Remedy | When it fits | Forum |
|---|---|---|
| Bail before arrest | Immediate protection while other remedies proceed | Sessions / High Court (s.498) |
| Cancellation in investigation | Facts demonstrably false; documents disprove the allegation | Police report → Magistrate |
| Quashing | No cognizable offence on the FIR's own face; clear mala fide; abuse of process (e.g., civil dispute given criminal colour) | Lahore High Court (s.561-A / Art. 199) |
| Trial defence & acquittal | Where quashing is declined as trial remedies suffice — incl. early acquittal applications (s.249-A/265-K) | Trial court |
CrPC s.154 — mandatory registration of cognizable-offence information; ss.22-A/22-B — Justice of Peace directions; s.173 — investigation reports/cancellation; s.561-A & Art. 199 Constitution — quashing; ss.249-A/265-K — acquittal at any stage. False charges also expose the complainant under s.182 PPC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Police are refusing my FIR — what now?
Can I get a copy of the FIR against me?
Can a false FIR be quashed?
Does an FIR mean arrest?
What must I NOT do after an FIR?
FIR Problems Are Won Early — Send It Now
Registration refused, or falsely implicated — same-day confidential assessment either way.
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Content reviewed by Abdur Rehman Sandhu, Attorney of the High Court. Last reviewed: July 2026. General information, not legal advice.