A police verification certificate is an official document issued by the police that confirms your criminal record status. It is commonly required for jobs, visas, and admissions. In Pakistan, the process is different depending on your province. Punjab uses Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) centres and the Dastak app, while Sindh has an online portal. This guide explains both routes, the documents you need, the fees, and how to track your application.
What Is a Police Verification Certificate?
It is a document that states whether you have any criminal record. It is also called a police character certificate or police clearance certificate. Employers, embassies, and universities ask for it to confirm you have no criminal history.
In Punjab, the service is handled by Police Khidmat Markaz centres. These are citizen facilitation centres run by Punjab Police with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). They offer 14 services under one roof, including general police verification and character certificates .
Punjab: How to Apply Through Police Khidmat Markaz
You can apply in person at a PKM centre or through the Dastak doorstep service.
Option 1: Visit a Police Khidmat Markaz
Step 1: Find your nearest centre. Use the PKM portal at pkm.punjab.gov.pk or the Police Khidmat Service App to locate a centre in your district .
Step 2: Bring your documents. You need your original CNIC. If the certificate is for a visa, bring your passport as well .
Step 3: Apply and pay. Apply at the counter. Pay the prescribed fee and always take a receipt. Never pay anyone extra to speed up the process .
Step 4: Track and collect. Keep your token or reference number. You can track your application online at the PKM portal. Collect the certificate from the centre or receive it by courier where offered .
Option 2: Use the Dastak App
The Maryam Ki Dastak programme is a doorstep delivery service. A trained facilitator visits your home to collect documents and process the application .
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Download the Dastak Doorstep Services app or visit dastak.punjab.gov.pk.
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Select the police service you need.
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Choose a date and time for the facilitator’s visit.
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The facilitator scans your documents, takes your photo, and collects the government fee plus a small service charge .
Punjab Fees and Processing Time
The fees and times differ between official sources. Confirm the amount at the counter before paying.
| Source | Fee | Processing Time | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore Police (PKM counter) | Rs 350 | About 3 working days | Courier |
| e-Khidmat Markaz | Rs 500 | Up to 18 working days | TCS courier |
A Dastak facilitator adds a service charge on top of the government fee .
Sindh: How to Apply Online
Sindh Police offers an online application process through its official website.
Step 1: Visit the Sindh Police website. Go to www.sindhpolice.gov.pk. Click on Online Services, then select Police Verification .
Step 2: Start a new application. Click on New Application .
Step 3: Enter your personal details. Fill in your full name, father’s name, date of birth, CNIC number, issue date, expiry, mobile number, current address, district, and the target country for which you need the certificate .
Step 4: Enter guarantor details. Provide details for two guarantors .
Step 5: Upload documents. Upload a passport-sized photograph and clear copies of utility bills (gas, electricity, water) as proof of address .
Step 6: Submit. Click Submit to complete your online application .
For Sindh, you may also need to submit a physical form. The Sindh Police character certificate request form requires an application on plain paper addressed to the Capital City Police Officer, Karachi. You must mention every place you have lived for more than six months since birth, with the police station for each address. Attach three attested passport photos, an attested copy of your CNIC, passport pages 1 to 5, and a consulate letter if the certificate is for a visa .
How to Verify a Certificate
Punjab PKM certificates carry a QR code and a verification link. To check a certificate:
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Scan the QR code with your phone.
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Open the verification page on the official PKM website.
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Compare the details on the page with the paper certificate. The name, CNIC, and dates must match exactly .
If the page shows no record, or the details do not match, treat the certificate as suspicious. A sample certificate is valid for 180 days from the date of issue .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying without a receipt. Always pay the prescribed fee and take a receipt. If someone offers to “speed up” the process for extra money, refuse .
Bringing the wrong documents. For a visa certificate, you need both your CNIC and passport. For Sindh, you also need attested photographs and utility bills .
Not tracking your application. Keep your reference number. If you do not track it, you will not know when it is ready for collection.
Using unofficial websites. Only use pkm.punjab.gov.pk for Punjab and sindhpolice.gov.pk for Sindh. Third-party sites may charge extra or misuse your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a police verification certificate take in Punjab?
Lahore Police lists about 3 working days at a PKM counter. The e-Khidmat Markaz route lists up to 18 working days. Processing time can vary, so confirm at the counter when you apply .
What is the fee for a police character certificate in Punjab?
The Lahore Police page lists Rs 350 at a PKM counter. The e-Khidmat Markaz page lists Rs 500 for a TCS envelope. A Dastak facilitator adds a service charge. Fees can change, so confirm before paying .
Can I apply for a police verification certificate online in Sindh?
Yes. Sindh Police has an online portal at sindhpolice.gov.pk. You fill in your details, guarantor information, and upload documents . For some purposes, you may also need to submit a physical form to the Capital City Police Officer .
What documents do I need for a police verification certificate?
For Punjab, you need your original CNIC and, for a visa, your passport . For Sindh, you need a written application, three attested photos, an attested CNIC copy, passport copies, and a consulate letter if applicable .
How do I verify a police certificate is genuine?
Punjab PKM certificates have a QR code and a verification link. Scan the QR code and check that the details on the official PKM website match the paper certificate exactly .
