How to Check Criminal Record by CNIC in Pakistan – Complete Guide

In Pakistan, criminal record verification is now easier due to digital systems introduced by provincial police departments. Citizens can check criminal records using their CNIC through official police portals and mobile apps. These systems are mainly used for services like FIR verification, police character certificates, and general police verification.
Criminal record data is stored in digitized police databases and linked with CNIC numbers. While full access is restricted for privacy reasons, citizens can still check their own records or apply for verification through official channels.
| Point | Details |
| Identification Required | CNIC (13 digits) |
| Main Use | FIR check & character certificate |
| Punjab System | PKM / PSCA |
| Sindh System | PRVS |
| Application Mode | Online & physical |
| Verification Type | Self or official |
| Processing Time | Few days |
| Data Source | Police digital databases |
What Is a Criminal Record in Pakistan?
A criminal record refers to official police data that shows whether a person has been involved in any registered criminal case, such as an FIR. This information is linked to the person’s CNIC number.
Important points to understand:
- Criminal records are maintained by provincial police
- Not all records are publicly visible
- FIR registration does not always mean conviction
- Verification is often required for:
- Jobs
- Immigration
- Visa applications
- Tenant or employee verification
To protect privacy, police provide access only through official services.

How to Check Criminal Record by CNIC in Punjab
Punjab has one of the most advanced police digital systems in Pakistan. Multiple platforms are available for citizens.
You can use the following services:
- Punjab Police App for:
- Police character certificate
- Crime reporting
- Tenant registration
- Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) Portal:
- FIR copy
- General police verification
- PSCA Chatbot Services:
- Quick verification using CNIC
- CRMS (Criminal Record Management System):
- Used internally by police
- Citizen services linked through portals
For full verification, citizens may still need to visit a Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) with original CNIC.
Official Punjab Police portal:
👉 https://pkm.punjab.gov.pk
How to Check Criminal Record by CNIC in Sindh
Sindh Police offers a digital system mainly for verification purposes.
Key features of Sindh’s system include:
- Police Record Verification System (PRVS)
- Online application for police verification
- CNIC-based record checking
- Used for employment and immigration
- Status tracking after submission
In some cases, physical verification at a police office may be required before final clearance.
General Step-by-Step Process (All Provinces)
Although systems vary by province, the basic process is mostly the same across Pakistan.
The general steps include:
- Visit your provincial police website or app
- Select required service:
- FIR copy
- Police character certificate
- General police verification
- Enter your 13-digit CNIC (without dashes)
- Fill in additional details:
- FIR number (if required)
- Police station
- Reason for verification
- Submit application online
- Visit police office or PKM if biometric verification is needed
Processing time depends on the type of service and province.
Important Points and Limitations
There are some limitations and rules you should know before applying.
Important points include:
- You can usually check your own record only
- Full criminal history is not publicly accessible
- FIR presence does not confirm guilt
- Biometric verification may be required
- False information can lead to rejection
Always use official police platforms and avoid unofficial websites or agents.
Conclusion
Checking a criminal record by CNIC in Pakistan is now more convenient due to digital police systems in provinces like Punjab and Sindh. Citizens can apply online for FIR copies, police verification, and character certificates using their CNIC. While some services are available digitally, physical visits may still be required for full verification. Using official portals ensures accuracy, privacy, and legal validity of records.
FAQs
Q1: Can I check someone else’s criminal record using their CNIC?
No, criminal records are private. You can only check your own record through official services.
Q2: Does FIR registration mean a person is a criminal?
No, FIR registration does not mean conviction. It only shows a case was registered.
Q3: Is online verification enough for immigration purposes?
Usually no. Immigration authorities require an official police character certificate.
Q4: How long does police verification take in Pakistan?
It usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on province and service type.
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