Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Pakistan is an important requirement for many official and personal purposes. Whether you are applying for immigration, a foreign job, higher studies abroad, or simply need to verify your clean record for a professional reason, this certificate serves as official proof that you have no criminal record within a specified period.
The process may sound complicated at first, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the correct steps. This guide explains everything you need to know, from required documents to online and overseas application methods.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate (also known as a Character Certificate) is an official document issued by the relevant Police Department confirming that the applicant has no criminal background or pending case within their jurisdiction. It is often required for employment, visa, immigration, residency, and other legal or administrative procedures.
Who Issues the Certificate
The Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the District Police Office, Khidmat Markaz, or concerned Police Station where the applicant resides or is permanently registered.
- For applicants living abroad, the certificate can be arranged through a family representative in Pakistan or through the nearest Pakistan Embassy or Consulate, which forwards the request to the concerned district police.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate
You may need a Police Clearance Certificate if you are:
- Applying for a visa, immigration, or permanent residency abroad.
- Seeking a job in Pakistan or overseas that requires proof of good conduct.
- Applying for admission or scholarship in a foreign educational institution.
- Completing legal or business processes that demand a character verification.
What are the Required Documents?
To apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Pakistan, you will typically need:
- Original and photocopy of CNIC/NICOP or B-Form (for minors).
- Original Passport and photocopies of the relevant pages.
- Recent passport-size photographs (usually 2–4).
- Proof of address (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.).
- Affidavit declaring that no criminal case is pending (if required).
- Authority Letter or Power of Attorney, attested by the Pakistan Embassy/Consulate (for overseas applicants).
- Proof of last exit from Pakistan, if applying from abroad.
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Applicants Living in Pakistan
- Identify your local Police Station or Khidmat Markaz based on your residential address.
- Obtain and fill out the application form for the Police Clearance Certificate.
- Prepare an affidavit (if needed) stating that no criminal case is pending against you.
- Attach all required documents, CNIC/NICOP, passport copy, photographs, and address proof.
- Apply to the Police Station or Khidmat Markaz.
- The local police will verify your record through the relevant officials.
- Once cleared, the certificate will be issued within a few working days.
- Collect your certificate in person or through the courier service, depending on your province’s system.
For Applicants Living Abroad
- Contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy or Consulate to understand their specific procedure.
- Prepare an Authority Letter or Power of Attorney (POA) in favor of a blood relative in Pakistan.
- Get the POA attested by the Embassy or Consulate.
- Send the attested documents (passport copy, CNIC, photographs, exit proof) to your representative.
- Your representative will apply on your behalf at the local Police Station or Khidmat Markaz.
- After local verification, the certificate will be issued and returned to you by courier or through the Embassy.
- If required, get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) for official use abroad.
Processing Time and Fees
- The usual processing time varies from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the district and verification process.
- For overseas applications, it may take longer, sometimes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on embassy coordination.
- The fee also varies by province, generally ranging between PKR 1000 to PKR 3000 when applied locally. Overseas applicants may need to pay an additional service fee at the consulate.
Important Tips and Notes
- Ensure that your permanent or current address matches your CNIC or passport records.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your reference.
- If your certificate is needed abroad, make sure to get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy.
- You must visit the Khidmat Markaz or Police Station within 90 days of submitting your online form; otherwise, resubmission will be required.
- The certificate is generally valid for six months from the date of issue.