Police and arrest
Police will not register an FIR
You can prepare on your own, but a lawyer will improve your chances.
When you report a serious (cognizable) offence, the police station must record it as an FIR. If they refuse, you can complain to senior police officers, and then petition the Justice of Peace (a Sessions Judge) to order registration. A lawyer is recommended for the petition.
The law
Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, section 154 and sections 22-A and 22-B
What to do
- 1
Give a written, signed application at the police station and ask for a stamped copy or a receipt number.
- 2
If the SHO refuses, send the same application to the SP or DPO, or to the police complaint line (8787 in Punjab).
- 3
If there is still no FIR, a lawyer can file a petition under section 22-A before the Justice of Peace.
Keep these ready
- Your written application and its receipt
- Medical report (MLC), if anyone was hurt
- Names of witnesses and any photos or videos
- Copy of your CNIC
- How long it takes
- A 22-A petition is usually decided in a few weeks
General information, not legal advice. Checked against public sources in 2026. Laws and procedures change, and local practice differs between districts.