Police Character Certificate in Pakistan: How to Apply & Required Documents
A Police Character Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the police authorities in Pakistan to verify an individual's criminal record status. It is often required for immigration, employment, visa applications, or study abroad purposes. This document confirms that the applicant has no criminal history within a particular jurisdiction.
If you need to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Pakistan, this guide will provide you with complete information about the application process, required documents, and other important details.
Who Needs a Police Character Certificate?
A Police Character Certificate is generally required for:
- Individuals applying for a visa, immigration, or residency abroad
- Employment in foreign countries
- University admissions abroad
- Business or work-related requirements in some professions
- Adoption processes
- Personal record verification
How to Apply for a Police Character Certificate in Pakistan
The process of obtaining a Police Character Certificate varies slightly between different cities and provinces. However, the general procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the Relevant Police Office
Applicants must visit the local City Police Office (CPO) or District Police Office (DPO) in their respective city. In major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, there are dedicated police facilitation centers for this purpose.
Step 2: Obtain and Fill the Application Form
You will need to fill out an application form, which is available at the Police Facilitation Center or can be downloaded online (if available). Some cities allow online applications through the police department’s website.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
Attach the necessary documents (listed below) along with your application form.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form and supporting documents at the relevant police office. In some cities, applications can also be submitted through NADRA e-Sahulat centers.
Step 5: Police Verification Process
Once the application is submitted, the police conduct a verification check by reviewing their criminal record database and, in some cases, contacting the applicant’s local police station for further verification.
Step 6: Certificate Issuance
After successful verification, the Police Character Certificate is issued. The processing time may vary between 3 to 15 working days, depending on the city and workload of the police department.
Required Documents for a Police Character Certificate
To apply for a Police Character Certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Application Form (available at police stations or online)
- Copy of CNIC/B-Form (National Identity Card)
- Passport copy (if applying for travel/immigration purposes)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-4 photos)
- Proof of residence (Utility bill, rental agreement, or domicile certificate)
- Authority letter (if someone is applying on behalf of the applicant)
- Previous Character Certificate (if applicable)
- Employment or university letter (if applying for a job or study purpose)
Additional Requirements for Overseas Pakistanis
If you are residing abroad and need a Police Character Certificate from Pakistan, you may be required to:
- Apply through a family member or representative in Pakistan
- Submit a notarized authority letter allowing the representative to collect the certificate on your behalf
- Provide copies of your passport, CNIC, and visa/residency documents
In some cases, overseas Pakistanis can apply through their respective Pakistani embassies or consulates.
Processing Time & Fees
The processing time for obtaining a Police Character Certificate varies by city:
- Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi: Typically 5 to 10 working days
- Smaller cities and rural areas: May take 10 to 15 working days
Fees
- The application fee varies by province and city but usually ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000.
- Some fast-track services may be available at an additional cost.
Online Application for Police Character Certificate
In some cities, online applications have been introduced to make the process easier. Applicants can check their respective city’s police website to see if an online option is available.
For example:
- Punjab Police offers an online PCC application through the Police Khidmat Markaz website.
- Islamabad Police also provides an online application service through their Citizen Portal.
After submitting an online application, applicants may still need to visit the police office for biometric verification and document submission.
How to Verify Your Police Character Certificate?
Once issued, the Police Character Certificate can be verified through:
- The official website of the police department (if online verification is available)
- Direct verification from the concerned police station
- QR codes or barcodes (if printed on the certificate)
Conclusion
Obtaining a Police Character Certificate in Pakistan is a straightforward process, but it requires proper documentation and verification. Whether you are applying for immigration, employment, or study purposes, following the correct procedure ensures a smooth experience.
If you are an overseas Pakistani, consider applying through an authorized representative or your local Pakistani embassy. Additionally, check if your city offers an online application process to save time and effort.
For the latest updates and requirements, always refer to the official website of your city’s police department or visit the nearest Police Facilitation Center.