If you’re applying for a new job, planning to travel abroad, or simply need to verify someone’s background, dealing with police paperwork used to be a nightmare. Long lines at the station, confusing forms, and days of waiting were the norm. But times have changed.
Digitalization has transformed how citizens interact with law enforcement in Pakistan. Now, accessing vital documents like character certificates or checking for First Information Reports (FIRs) can often be done from the comfort of your home. Whether you need to verify an employee’s background or check the status of a case, the process is faster and more transparent than ever before.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to perform a criminal record check or FIR lookup online using just a CNIC, focusing on the streamlined systems available in Punjab and the emerging tools across Pakistan.
How to Check Criminal Records Online in Punjab
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Punjab Police have revolutionized public service delivery through the Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) portal and mobile app. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to access these services.
Step 1: Access the Portal or App
To begin, you need to access the digital platform. You have two convenient options:
- Web Portal: Visit the official website at
pkm.punjab.gov.pk. - Mobile App: Download the “Punjab Police Pakistan” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Select the Required Service
Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard offering various citizen services. For background checks, look for:
- Character Certificate: This is the standard document required for visa applications, jobs, and immigration. It officially certifies whether a citizen has a criminal record.
- General Police Verification: This is often used for domestic help, tenant registration, or employee verification.
Step 3: Enter Details and Documents
You will be prompted to enter the CNIC number of the individual you are checking. Depending on the service, you may need to provide additional details or upload scanned copies of documents (such as the front and back of the CNIC).
Note: While the application can be initiated online, some services like the Character Certificate may still require a physical visit to a Khidmat Markaz for biometric verification to ensure the data is accurate and secure.
How to Get a Copy of an FIR Online
Need to check the details of a specific case? If you are in Punjab, retrieving a copy of an FIR (First Information Report) is straightforward.
- Visit the PKM Website: Go to
pkm.punjab.gov.pk. - Select “Copy of FIR”: Locate this option in the services menu.
- Input Required Information: You will generally need to provide the CNIC number associated with the complainant or accused, along with the specific FIR number and the Police Station where it was registered.
This system saves you the hassle of visiting the police station repeatedly just to get a simple update or a document copy.
How to Check Criminal Records Online in Sindh
The most convenient way to initiate a check is through the Sindh Police’s dedicated digital portal. This system is designed to facilitate citizens who need a Police Character Certificate the official document stating whether an individual has a criminal record.
Using the PRVS Portal
The Sindh Police has launched the Police Record Verification System (PRVS) to modernize how citizens interact with law enforcement records. Here is how to use it:
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to https://prvs.sindhpolice.gov.pk/.
- Submit a New Application: On the homepage, you will see an option for “New Application.” Click this to begin the process. You will be required to enter the CNIC details of the person being verified.
- Track Your Status: If you have already submitted a request, the portal offers a “Track Your Application” feature. This allows you to monitor the progress of your verification without visiting the station repeatedly.
This online system is particularly useful for obtaining a Character Certificate, which serves as the official proof of a clean record for jobs and immigration.
Verification via Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM)
While the online portal is helpful, many procedures still require biometric verification or the submission of physical documents. The Sindh Police established Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) centers to serve as a one-window solution for general public services.
If you cannot access the online portal or prefer an in-person process, follow these steps:
- Locate Your Nearest PKM: There are centers distributed throughout major cities in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. You can also visit the CRO (Criminal Record Office) branch at your local police station.
- Required Documents: You must bring your original CNIC and a clear photocopy. If you are applying for a Character Certificate, you may also need a passport-sized photograph and a valid passport copy (for visa purposes).
- Biometric Verification: The staff will likely take your fingerprints to run against their internal databases.
Systems Behind the Screen
You might be wondering: how does the system know if someone has a record? It relies on sophisticated digital infrastructure designed to centralize criminal data.
PITB’s Criminal Record Management System (CRMS)
In Punjab, the CRMS serves as the foundation of the verification process.. This system has digitized the criminal profiles of offenders, including their biometrics, physical appearance, and criminal history. This database is linked directly to their CNIC.
When a police officer or a verification system queries a CNIC, the CRMS searches its records via web, SMS, or biometric devices to see if that ID card is linked to any past criminal activity.
The National Database Initiative
While provincial systems like Punjab’s are advanced, efforts are underway by the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) to create a unified National Criminal Database. The goal is to integrate data from all provinces—Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab—so that a criminal in one province cannot hide their record simply by moving to another. This will eventually allow for a seamless nationwide CNIC criminal record search.
Important Considerations Before You Search
Before you attempt to look up a record, it is crucial to understand the limitations and privacy regulations involved.
1. Provincial Availability
Currently, digital services are most robust in Punjab. While Online FIR check by CNIC Sindh and Criminal record check by CNIC Pakistan online Karachi are highly searched topics, the availability of fully automated online services in Sindh and other provinces may vary compared to the PKM system in Punjab. Always check the official police websites of the respective province for the latest tools.
2. Verification vs. Public Search
It is important to note that for privacy and security reasons, there is no public “search bar” where you can type in any random CNIC and see a person’s entire legal history.
- Authorized Use: Services are designed for specific needs (e.g., you applying for your own certificate, or an employer verifying an employee with consent).
- Police Verification: A thorough background check often involves an internal police process where officers verify the address and check local station records before issuing a certificate.
3. App-Based Convenience
For the most up-to-date experience, rely on official apps like the Punjab Police criminal Record Check app (Punjab Police Pakistan). These apps often include tracking features, so you can see the status of your application in real-time.
Next Steps for a Safer Future
Digital verification is a powerful tool for ensuring safety in our workplaces and neighborhoods. If you are an employer hiring new staff, a landlord renting out a property, or a citizen planning to travel, take advantage of these online facilities.
Don’t rely on verbal assurances. Download the Punjab Police app or visit the Police Khidmat Markaz portal today to initiate your verification process. It’s a small step that adds a significant layer of security to your decisions.
