A Police Character Certificate (PCC) in Pakistan is an official background verification document confirming that the applicant has no criminal record. Two types exist: a provincial police character certificate issued through Police Khidmat Markaz or district police offices, and an FIA Police Clearance Certificate issued by the Federal Investigation Agency after a national-level record check. Most embassies and immigration authorities require the FIA PCC. Punjab residents can apply online through pkm.punjab.gov.pk. The fee ranges from Rs 350 to Rs 1,000 depending on province and service type. Processing takes 3–7 working days.
Last Updated: September 2026
What Is a Police Character Certificate?
A Police Character Certificate is an official background verification document issued by the relevant provincial police authority in Pakistan confirming whether an applicant has any recorded criminal history within a specified district or jurisdiction.
This document is commonly required for:
- Immigration and residency permits
- Work visas (Gulf, UK, EU, etc.)
- Foreign employment processing
- International study visas
- Certain government or sensitive private sector jobs
The certificate is issued after record verification by the concerned police station or centralized police service unit, such as Police Khidmat Markaz (in Punjab).
It does not provide public access to criminal records. It only certifies the applicant’s status after internal verification.
Two Types of Police Certificates: Which Do You Need?
Pakistan has two separate police background check systems. Understanding which one you need before applying saves time and prevents rejection by the requesting authority.
| District Police Character Certificate | FIA Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | |
| Issued By | Provincial police authority (Police Khidmat Markaz in Punjab, district police offices elsewhere) | Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) |
| Scope of Check | Criminal record within the specific district or province | National-level criminal record check across all provinces |
| How to Apply | In person at PKM / district police office, or online in Punjab and some provinces | Online through FIA portal, biometric verification at FIA zonal office or Pakistani mission abroad |
| Processing Time | 3–7 working days | 7–15 working days (varies) |
| Fee | Rs 350 – Rs 1,000 | Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000 (varies by service type) |
| Used For | Government jobs within Pakistan, some domestic employment, local purposes | Immigration visas, foreign employment, overseas residency, embassy requirements |
| Embassy Requirement? | Some embassies accept it; many require FIA PCC specifically | Most embassies and immigration authorities require this version |
| Available From Abroad? | Yes, through authority letter to blood relative, or Punjab Police Global Portal at Pakistani missions | Yes — through Pakistani embassy/consulate abroad (biometrics forwarded to FIA) |
Two types of police clearance exist in Pakistan. A district police character certificate is issued by provincial police and checks local records. An FIA Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Federal Investigation Agency after a national-level check. Most embassies and immigration authorities require the FIA PCC for visa and foreign employment processing.
Rule of thumb: If a foreign embassy, immigration authority, or international employer asked for it, they almost certainly mean the FIA PCC. If a Pakistani government department or domestic employer asked for it, the district police certificate is usually sufficient. When in doubt, contact the requesting authority and ask which version they need.
Who Issues Police Character Certificates in Pakistan?
Provincial police authorities issue district-level character certificates. These are NOT issued by NADRA and NOT by federal ministries.
| Province / Territory | Issuing Authority | Online Portal | Fee (2026) |
| Punjab | Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) | pkm.punjab.gov.pk + Punjab Police app | Rs 350 (counter) / Rs 522–1,022 (online with service charges) |
| Islamabad Capital Territory | ICT Police (PKM system) | islamabadpolice.gov.pk | Rs 1,000 |
| Sindh | District Police / SSP Office | Police Madadgar 15 app (limited) | Varies by district |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | District Police / Police Sahulat Markaz | Police Sahulat Markaz app (Google Play / App Store) | Rs 1,000 |
| Balochistan | Police Khidmat Markaz / District Police | Limited online availability | Rs 150 |
| AJK / GB | District Police | Punjab Police Global Portal (for some services) | Varies |
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) issues the national-level Police Clearance Certificate after checking records across all provinces. Apply through the FIA portal or Pakistani missions abroad.
Who Needs a Police Character Certificate?
A police character certificate is required whenever an individual must demonstrate a clean criminal background to an authority. Common situations include:
- Spouse/family visa applications (UK, Canada, Australia, EU states, Gulf countries)
- Foreign employment (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait — Gulf countries typically require FIA PCC)
- Immigration programs (Canada Express Entry, UK Skilled Worker, Australia PR, EU Blue Card)
- Student visas (some countries require PCC for long-term study visas)
- Long-term residency permits (Iqama renewal, residence visa extensions)
- Government and sensitive jobs within Pakistan (district police certificate usually sufficient)
- Regulated professions abroad (healthcare, education, security, typically FIA PCC)
Required Documents for Police Character Certificate
Required documents may vary slightly by province, but the following are generally required across Pakistan.
If the Applicant Is in Pakistan
- Original CNIC and photocopy
- Original passport and photocopy (all pages including last exit stamp)
- Two recent passport-size photographs (white background)
- Completed application form (available at PKM or downloadable from provincial portal)
- Purpose declaration, written statement explaining why the certificate is needed
- Proof of current or previous address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, some jurisdictions)
- Affidavit declaring no pending criminal case (required in some provinces)
For FIA Police Clearance Certificate:
- CNIC copy (front and back)
- Valid passport copy (all pages)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Bank challan or online payment receipt (FIA fee)
- Biometric verification at FIA zonal office or Pakistani embassy/consulate
If applying from abroad through a blood relative:
- Authority letter in favour of the relative
- Embassy-attested authority letter (or attestation by gazetted officer)
- Applicant’s CNIC and passport copies
- Passport last exit page copy
- Affidavit declaring duration of stay abroad and no pending criminal case
- Relative’s original CNIC and proof of relationship
The authorized person must present their own CNIC and relationship proof when submitting the application.
Police authorities do not accept requests through unverified agents.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The procedure depends on the province, but generally follows this structure.
Option 1: Through Police Khidmat Markaz (Punjab)
- Visit the nearest Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM).
- Submit required documents.
- Biometric or identity verification (where applicable).
- Background check conducted by the relevant district police.
- Certificate issued after clearance.
Punjab allows applicants to apply from any PKM center even if verification relates to a previous district of residence.
Option 2: Through the District Police Station
In provinces without centralized PKM services:
- Visit the concerned district police office or police station.
- Submit the application with the required documents.
- Local record verification is conducted.
- Certificate issued after clearance.
Option 3: Online Application (Where Available)
Certain provinces (e.g., Punjab Police Global Portal) allow online application submission.
Typical process:
- Create online account
- Upload required documents
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Receive tracking ID
- Collect certificate or receive via courier
Online availability is province-specific. There is no nationwide online portal covering all provinces.
Option 4: National Police Bureau (Specific International Cases)
In limited cases (such as Spain-related documentation), the National Police Bureau may issue a Computerized Police Clearance Certificate after district-level verification and affidavit submission.
This option is not a general replacement for provincial police issuance.
Processing Time and Fees Summary
| Certificate Type | Fee | Processing Time |
| Punjab (PKM counter) | Rs 350 | 3 working days |
| Punjab (online via app) | Rs 522–1,022 (includes service charges) | 3 working days |
| Islamabad (ICT) | Rs 1,000 | 72 hours (3 working days) |
| KPK | Rs 1,000 | 5–7 working days |
| Balochistan | Rs 150 | 3 working days |
| Sindh | Varies by district | 5–7 working days |
| FIA PCC (standard) | Rs 3,000–5,000 | 7–15 working days |
| FIA PCC (urgent) | Higher fee | Expedited (varies) |
| MOFA attestation | Varies | 1–3 working days |
How to Apply Online — Province by Province
Punjab — Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM)
Punjab has the most advanced online system. Apply from any district without visiting the certificate’s required district.
Portal: pkm.punjab.gov.pk
App: Punjab Police Pakistan (Google Play and App Store)
Step 1: Visit pkm.punjab.gov.pk or open the Punjab Police app.
Create an account using your CNIC number and mobile number. Verify through OTP.
Step 2: Select ‘Character Certificate’ from available services.
Fill the online form with exactly the same spelling as your CNIC.
Step 3: Upload scanned documents.
CNIC front and back, passport (if applying for visa/immigration purpose), and recent photograph.
Step 4: Pay the fee.
Rs 350 at PKM counter, or Rs 522–1,022 online via PSID (includes service charges). Payment via bank, ATM, EasyPaisa, JazzCash, or UPaisa.
Step 5: Save your 12-digit tracking number.
Use this to track application status.
Step 6: Collect certificate or receive via courier.
Processing takes approximately 3 working days. Digital certificate with QR code available for download. Courier delivery option available.
Punjab also offers: Maryam Ki Dastak app for doorstep service delivery. Integration with Punjab Police Mobile App for vehicle verification, tenant registration, and complaint filing alongside character certificate services.
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)
Portal: islamabadpolice.gov.pk (uses same PKM system as Punjab)
The process is identical to Punjab’s online system. Additional requirement: affidavit if your CNIC does not show an Islamabad address. Authority letter if someone else is applying on your behalf.
Fee: Rs 1,000. Processing time: 72 hours (3 working days).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
App: Police Sahulat Markaz app (Google Play and App Store)
Step 1: Download the Police Sahulat Markaz app.
Available on both Android and iOS.
Step 2: Register with your CNIC and mobile number.
Complete OTP verification.
Step 3: Select Character Certificate and fill the form.
Upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay Rs 1,000 fee.
Online payment or bank challan.
Step 5: Collect certificate.
Processing takes 5–7 working days.
Sindh
App: Police Madadgar 15 (limited online functionality)
Sindh does not yet have a fully integrated online application system equivalent to Punjab’s PKM portal. The process currently requires an in-person visit to the District Superintendent of Police (DSP) office or the nearest police station.
• Visit your district’s DSP office or police station
• Collect and fill the character certificate application form
• Submit with all required documents — CNIC, passport, photographs
• Processing takes 5–7 working days depending on district
The Police Madadgar 15 app allows limited online submission and case tracking in some districts.
Balochistan
Visit the Police Khidmat Markaz or nearest police station. Submit original CNIC (or B-Form for minors), affidavit, and photographs.
Fee: Rs 150. Processing time: 3 working days.
Can You Check Police Character Certificate Online Using CNIC?
There is no public CNIC-based system in Pakistan that allows individuals to check someone’s criminal record or police character status online.
Important clarifications:
- Police records are confidential.
- There is no public criminal database search.
- No private website can legally provide criminal record status.
Any verification must occur through official police channels or institutional requests.
If a tracking system exists, it only tracks application progress not criminal background details.
FIA Police Clearance Certificate — How to Apply?
The FIA Police Clearance Certificate is a national-level criminal record check conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency. It covers all provinces and is the version most embassies, immigration authorities, and international employers require.
Step 1: Apply online through the FIA portal.
Visit the FIA website (fia.gov.pk) and navigate to the Police Clearance Certificate section. Provide your CNIC number, passport details, and purpose of certificate.
Step 2: Pay the prescribed fee.
Pay through bank challan or online payment. Fees range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 depending on service type (standard or urgent). Keep the payment receipt.
Step 3: Complete biometric verification.
Visit the designated FIA zonal office in your city for fingerprint and photograph recording. FIA has zonal offices in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and other major cities.
Step 4: Await the national record check.
FIA verifies your name and biometrics against police and court records across all provinces. This takes 7–15 working days for standard processing.
Step 5: Collect your FIA PCC.
Collect from the FIA zonal office or receive via courier (where available). The certificate includes your clearance status, FIA reference number, and is valid for the period specified by the requesting authority.
The FIA Police Clearance Certificate is a national-level criminal record check issued by the Federal Investigation Agency. It covers all provinces and is required by most embassies and immigration authorities. Apply online through the FIA portal, complete biometric verification at an FIA zonal office, and receive the certificate within 7–15 working days. Fees range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.
How to Apply from Abroad? (Overseas Pakistanis)
Overseas Pakistanis have three routes to obtain a police certificate from Pakistan:
Route 1: Punjab Police Global Portal at Pakistani Missions
Pakistani citizens with permanent residence in Punjab, Islamabad, or AJK can apply through the Punjab Police Global Portal at select Pakistani embassies and consulates.
• How it works: Book an appointment at the embassy/consulate. Visit in person with your original valid CNIC or NICOP and passport. The mission takes your live photograph and uploads your details to the Punjab Police portal. The certificate is processed remotely and typically issued within two weeks.
• Available at: Pakistan High Commission London, Embassy of Pakistan Beijing, Consulate General Toronto, Consulate of Pakistan Birmingham, and other select missions.
• Fee: Usually free of charge at the embassy (varies by mission).
• Limitation: Currently available only for applicants from Punjab, Islamabad, and AJK. Applicants from Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan cannot use this route.
Route 2: FIA PCC Through Pakistani Embassy/Consulate
For the FIA Police Clearance Certificate from abroad:
- Book an appointment at your nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate
- Visit in person for biometric recording (fingerprints and photograph)
- The embassy forwards your biometrics and application to FIA headquarters in Pakistan
- FIA conducts the national record check and issues the certificate
- Collect from the embassy or receive via post
Processing time: Varies, typically 2–4 weeks including embassy processing and FIA verification.
Route 3: Through an Authorized Blood Relative in Pakistan
If you cannot visit a Pakistani mission, a blood relative in Pakistan can apply on your behalf for the district police character certificate.
- Authority letter in favour of the relative attested by Pakistani Embassy or High Commission
- Copy of your CNIC and passport
- Passport last exit page copy
- Affidavit mentioning duration of stay abroad and declaring no pending criminal case
- The relative must present their own CNIC and proof of relationship
Important: Police authorities do not accept applications through unverified agents. Only blood relatives with properly attested authority letters are accepted.
How to Track Your Application
| Province | Tracking Method |
| Punjab | 12-digit tracking number from PKM. Track via pkm.punjab.gov.pk or Punjab Police app. SMS updates available. |
| Islamabad | Track via islamabadpolice.gov.pk using application reference number. |
| KPK | Track via Police Sahulat Markaz app using application ID. |
| Sindh, Balochistan | Contact the issuing police station or DSP office directly. Limited online tracking. |
| FIA PCC | Track through FIA portal or contact the FIA zonal office where biometrics were recorded. |
Tracking systems show application progress only (received → verification → ready for collection). They do not disclose criminal record details.
Authority Letter Rules (If Applicant Is Abroad)
If an applicant is outside Pakistan, a Police Character Certificate may be processed through an authorized blood relative.
The authority process typically requires:
- A written authority letter in favor of a relative
- Attestation of the authority letter by the relevant Pakistani Embassy or High Commission (where required)
- Copy of applicant’s CNIC and passport
- Passport last exit page copy
- Affidavit declaring no pending criminal case
- Clear mention of the duration of stay abroad
The authorized relative must present:
- Original CNIC
- Proof of relationship
Police authorities may reject applications submitted through unauthorized agents.
Issuance remains subject to background verification by the concerned district police.
MOFA Attestation for International Use
A police character certificate issued in Pakistan is not automatically valid for international use. For immigration, foreign employment, or visa processing, the certificate must be attested.
Attestation chain:
- Step 1: Get the certificate issued by provincial police or FIA.
- Step 2: Submit for Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation at a MOFA office (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta).
- Step 3: If required by the destination country, submit the MOFA-attested certificate to the relevant foreign embassy for legalization.
Not all destination countries require embassy legalization on top of MOFA attestation. Check with the specific embassy or immigration authority.
Difference Between Police Verification and Police Character Certificate
Police Verification and Police Character Certificate are related but not identical.
Police Verification refers to the background inquiry process conducted by the police to check records and local reports.
Police Character Certificate is the official document issued after verification is complete.
Verification is the internal process.
The certificate is the issued outcome.
Some institutions may use the terms interchangeably, but legally, the certificate is the final documented proof.
Country-Specific Requirements
| Country / Region | Certificate Required | Notes |
| Saudi Arabia | FIA PCC or provincial police certificate | MOFA attestation + Saudi Embassy legalization required. Iqama renewal often requires updated PCC. |
| UAE | FIA PCC preferred | MOFA attestation required. Some employers accept provincial certificate. |
| Qatar / Bahrain / Oman / Kuwait | FIA PCC | MOFA attestation + embassy legalization. Gulf employers generally require FIA-level clearance. |
| United Kingdom | FIA PCC (ACRO equivalent) | Must cover all areas of Pakistan where applicant has lived. MOFA attestation required. |
| Canada | FIA PCC | Required for Express Entry, family sponsorship, and study permits for stays over 6 months. |
| Australia | FIA PCC | Required for PR applications and certain visa subclasses. |
| EU / Schengen States | FIA PCC | Some EU states accept provincial certificates with MOFA attestation. Check with specific embassy. |
| Spain | National Police Bureau (NPB) Computerized PCC | Special case — NPB issues after district verification and affidavit submission. |
| USA | FIA PCC | Required for immigration petitions. Not required for tourist/business visas. |
Most embassies and immigration authorities require the FIA Police Clearance Certificate rather than the provincial district certificate. Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Canada, and Australia all require FIA PCC with MOFA attestation. Spain is a special case requiring a National Police Bureau Computerized PCC.
Common Misconceptions About Police Character Certificate
Misconception 1: You can check a criminal record online using a CNIC.
Reality: Criminal records are not publicly searchable.
Misconception 2: Private agents can access police databases.
Reality: Police records are confidential and restricted to authorized authorities.
Misconception 3: A downloadable blank certificate is available online.
Reality: Certificates are generated only by the issuing police authority.
Misconception 4: The process is identical across all provinces.
Reality: Each province operates its own system, and procedures may differ slightly.
FAQs
What is the difference between a police character certificate and an FIA clearance certificate?
A police character certificate is issued by provincial police (PKM, district police) and checks local/provincial records. An FIA Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Federal Investigation Agency and checks national records across all provinces. Most embassies require the FIA version.
Can I check my police character certificate status online using CNIC?
No. There is no public CNIC-based system for checking criminal records or police character status online. If you applied through Punjab PKM, you can track your application using the 12-digit tracking number on pkm.punjab.gov.pk.
How much does a police character certificate cost in Punjab?
Rs 350 at the PKM counter. Online applications through the Punjab Police app cost Rs 522–1,022 including service charges. The fee covers certificate issuance after background verification.
Which certificate does the UK embassy require?
The UK embassy requires an FIA Police Clearance Certificate covering all areas of Pakistan where the applicant has lived. MOFA attestation is required. A district-level police character certificate is generally not sufficient for UK immigration applications.
Can someone apply on my behalf if I am abroad?
Yes. A blood relative can apply for the district police character certificate with a properly attested authority letter. For FIA PCC, you can apply through the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your country, or through an authorized representative with special power of attorney.
How long does the FIA Police Clearance Certificate take?
Standard processing takes 7–15 working days after biometric verification at an FIA zonal office. Urgent processing is available at a higher fee with a shorter timeline.
Do I need MOFA attestation?
Yes, for any international use (immigration, foreign employment, overseas residency). MOFA attestation is processed at MOFA offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Processing typically takes 1–3 working days.
Can I apply for Punjab police character certificate from abroad through an embassy?
Yes. Pakistani missions in London, Beijing, Toronto, Birmingham, and select other locations offer the Punjab Police Global Portal service. Book an appointment, visit in person with your CNIC/NICOP and passport, and the embassy processes the application through the portal. Certificate is usually issued within two weeks, often free of charge at the embassy.
Is the process the same across all provinces?
No. Each province operates its own system. Punjab has the most advanced online portal (pkm.punjab.gov.pk). KPK uses the Police Sahulat Markaz app. Sindh has limited online functionality through Police Madadgar 15. Balochistan and AJK/GB require in-person visits. There is no single nationwide portal.
What is the Spain-specific requirement?
Spain requires a Computerized Police Clearance Certificate from the National Police Bureau (NPB), not the standard provincial certificate or FIA PCC. The NPB issues this after district-level verification and affidavit submission.