How to Apply for Police Character Certificate Online in Pakistan?

Curious about how to get a police character certificate online in Pakistan? Relax—it’s way easier than you’d expect! Whether you’re chasing a job overseas, sorting out a visa, or handling immigration stuff, the Punjab Police have made things smooth with their app and Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) centers. No more dragging yourself to police stations or twiddling your thumbs for weeks. I’ve been through this myself, and trust me, it’s a walk in the park now—as long as you’ve got the right details handy.

A Police Character Certificate is an official paper from the Punjab Police that shows if you’ve got a clean slate—or not. It’s a must-have for jobs abroad, studying overseas, or even moving out. In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through applying, list the documents you need, break down the fees, and explain delivery options—whether you’re in Pakistan or somewhere else. Ready? Let’s jump in!

What is a Police Character Certificate?

Before we dig into the details, let’s clear up what this thing actually is. A Police Character Certificate—sometimes dubbed a clearance certificate—is basically a background check on paper. It proves you’ve got no criminal history in Pakistan, as far as the Punjab Police know.

Sample Undertaking Letter

“I, [Relative’s Full Name], son or daughter of [Father’s Name], living at [Address], promise to handle the application and pickup of the Police Character Certificate for [Applicant’s Full Name], who’s currently out of the country.

How Long is a Police Character Certificate Valid?

You’ve got 6 months from the day it’s issued to use the character certificate. Most embassies and bosses want it to have at least 2 months left before it expires when you hand it over, so keep an eye on the calendar!

Required Documents for Police Character Certificate

If You’re in Pakistan

• Original CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or B-Form (for minors).
• Original Pakistani passport.

If You’re Abroad

If you’re living outside Pakistan, a blood relative (e.g., parent, sibling) must apply on your behalf. You’ll need:

• Photocopy of your CNIC.
• Photocopy of your Pakistani passport.
• Copy of the passport page showing your visa and last exit date from Pakistan.
• One passport-size photograph (scanned and returned after submission).
• An undertaking letter written by your relative on plain white paper, authorizing them to collect the certificate (sample below).

Additionally, email these documents to the official address of the Police Khidmat Markaz in the district you’re applying from. You can find the email on the Punjab Police PKM website: pkm.punjab.gov.pk.

Sample Undertaking Letter

“I, [Relative’s Full Name], son/daughter of [Father’s Name], resident of [Address], hereby undertake to apply for and collect the Police Character Certificate on behalf of [Applicant’s Full Name], who is currently abroad. I am their [relationship, e.g., brother]. All provided documents are authentic to the best of my knowledge.”

Also Read: Dealing with a criminal case on character certificate in Pakistan

Processing Fees and Delivery Options

• In-Person at PKM: Rs.500, payable at the counter.
• Online Application: Rs.1000, paid cash on delivery when the certificate arrives.
• Delivery: Choose courier (standard) or pick it up by hand at a PKM center.
• Processing Time: Typically 3 working days from submission.

For urgent requests, some PKM centers offer expedited service. I’ve seen certificates issued in 1-2 hours when staff coordinate directly with your local police station to verify your criminal record—but this isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Contact your nearest PKM for details.

Why the Process is Easier Now

Before 2017, getting a Police Character Certificate was a nightmare—think 45-day waits, DSP office visits, and piles of paperwork. Overseas Pakistanis even needed a notarized authority letter, which was a hassle to obtain. Since November 3, 2017, the Punjab Police revamped the system. Now, you can apply from anywhere in Punjab (e.g., get a Mianwali certificate while living in Lahore) without extra affidavits. It’s a game-changer for convenience.

Also Read: Punjab Police Ranks With Basic Pay Scale Explained

How Does A Police Character Certificate Look Like?

A police character certificate is a document that verifies the good character of an individual. It is frequently required for business, visa applications, and different purposes abroad. If you are living in Pakistan, you can apply for a police character certificate by visiting any Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) in your district or by downloading Punjab Police Pakistan’s app.

There are many branches of PKM available in each district (here is the complete detail of Police Khidmat Marakiz all over Punjab along with their contact numbers). The process is basic and direct. You should give your information, contact information, and the reason for which you want the certificate. You will likewise have to submit the required documents, like your CNIC, passport, and processing fee.

How to Apply for a Police Character Certificate Online in Pakistan

The Punjab Police have made the application process user-friendly, whether you’re in Lahore, Multan, or even abroad. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Download the Punjab Police App: Available on Google Play or the App Store, this mobile application is your gateway to citizen services like certificate issuance.
2. Sign Up or Log In: Create an account with your contact information or log in if you’re a returning user.
3. Select Police Character Certificate: From the home screen, navigate to “Police Services” and choose “Character Certificate.”
4. Fill Out the Form: Enter your personal details, including CNIC number, address history, and the reason for your request (e.g., job application, visa).
5. Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required documents listed above.
6. Pay the Fee: Choose your payment method—Rs.500 if applying in-person at a PKM, or Rs.1000 for online submission (payable cash on delivery).
7. Submit and Track: After submission, you’ll get a confirmation with a tracking number to monitor your application status.

Applying from Abroad

If you’re overseas, your blood relative can either:

• Visit a PKM center in their district with your documents.
• Use the Punjab Police app to apply online, following the same steps above.

For in-person applications, they’ll need to present the undertaking letter and your documents. Online applicants abroad still pay Rs.1000, with delivery arranged via courier.

If you are living abroad, you can apply for a police character certificate by visiting your closest/pertinent embassy or through any blood relative living in Pakistan. You have 2 options to choose from:-

Also Read: Master Abbreviations of Punjab Police Ranks: A Brief Overview

Option No.1: As mentioned above you can visit your nearest embassy and there you can apply for Police Character Certificate.

Option No.2: You can ask any blood relative living in Pakistan to apply on your behalf. He can apply it in 2 different ways.

1st Way to Apply: He can simply visit the nearest Police Khidmat Markaz Centre of his district and submit the required documents as mentioned at the beginning of this article.

2nd Way to Apply: He can apply online through Punjab Police Pakistan’s official app as shown in the image above. One thing to remember is that you have to pay Rs.1000/- pkr for the online application while the fee is only Rs.500/- pkr if the person is applying by visiting the Police Khidmat Markaz.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a police character certificate online in Pakistan has never been easier. Whether you’re in Karachi, Islamabad, or halfway across the globe, the Punjab Police app and PKM centers have simplified the steps. With clear requirements, affordable fees, and quick processing, you’ll have your certificate in hand without the old headaches. Need more help? Drop your questions in the comments—I’ll do my best to guide you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the fee for a police character certificate?

The fee is Rs.500 if you apply in-person at a Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) or Rs.1000 if you apply online via the Punjab Police app, payable on delivery.

What is the minimum time for a character certificate?

Standard processing takes 3 working days. In emergencies, some PKM centers can issue it in 1-2 hours with direct police station verification, though this isn’t widely available.

How can I get a police character certificate in Islamabad?

Islamabad falls under the Islamabad Capital Territory Police, not Punjab Police. Visit the ICT Police website or your nearest police station to apply. Online options may differ—check their official portal for updates.

How to get a police clearance certificate in KPK?

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), the process varies. Contact your local police station or check the KPK Police website for online application options. Some districts may require in-person submission.

How to apply for police KPK?

In KPK, start by visiting your local police station or exploring the KPK Police official website for guidelines. Online services are expanding, but availability depends on your district.

How can I get a police clearance certificate from a local police station online?

For Punjab, use the Punjab Police app as outlined above. For other regions like Sindh, KPK, or AJK, check with local authorities—most still require in-person visits, though online portals are emerging.