Quick Answer
Not sure where to complain? Call 15 for emergencies. For problems with police conduct in Punjab, use the IGP Complaint Cell (8787). For cybercrime, call the NCCIA (1799), not the FIA. For free legal advice, call 0800-70806. Use the table below to find the right office. [verify numbers]
Police, Law & Justice in Pakistan: Where to Go and Who to Call
We’re an independent guide, not a government or legal body, and this page isn’t legal advice. In an emergency, call 15.
Which Office Do I Need?
| Your Problem | Go To | Our Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency or crime in progress | Punjab Police – 15 | [link] |
| Police refused to register an FIR or misbehaved | IGP Complaint Cell – 1787 | [link] |
| Police character certificate, FIR copy or tenant registration | Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) | [link] |
| Cybercrime or online fraud | National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) – 1799 | [link] |
| Illegal visa agent or human trafficking | Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) | [link] |
| Verify a driving licence (Punjab) | Punjab DLIMS | [link] |
| Driving licence services in Quetta | Quetta Traffic Police – DLIMS | [link] |
| Maladministration by Punjab government offices | Ombudsman Punjab – 1050 | [link] |
| Defective product or unfair trade practice | Consumer Protection Council (Punjab) | [link] |
| Federal office refuses to provide public information | Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) | [link] |
| District-court case status (Punjab) | Punjab District Courts – Case Management System | [link] |
| High Court case | Lahore High Court (LHC) | [link] |
| Supreme Court case | Supreme Court of Pakistan | [link] |
| Cannot afford a lawyer | Legal Aid Society – 0800-70806 | [link] |
| General government complaint | Pakistan Citizen Portal | [link] |
What Changed Recently?
These updates make many older guides outdated:
- Cybercrime: Since April 2025, the NCCIA handles cybercrime complaints, not the FIA.
- Constitutional cases: Since the 27th Amendment (November 2025), constitutional matters go to the Federal Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court hears civil and criminal appeals.
- Consumer complaints in Punjab: The Punjab Consumer Protection Act 2025 replaced consumer courts with decisions by Deputy Commissioners, per Dawn (Jan 2026).
- Police services: More services, such as character certificates and verification, are moving online through e-Khidmat Markaz and a national police portal.
- Federal vs provincial: Complaints about the Punjab government go to the Punjab Ombudsman, while federal offices go to the Wafaqi Mohtasib.
Key Helplines at a Glance
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police Emergency | 15 |
| IGP Complaint Cell (Punjab) | 1787 |
| NCCIA Cybercrime | 1799 |
| Ombudsman Punjab | 1050 |
| Free Legal Advice (Legal Aid Society) | 0800-70806 |
| Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) | 0800-111-11 |
Tips Before You Go
- Write down the facts: dates, names, places, reference numbers.
- Keep copies of every document and receipt.
- Pick the right office first. Many complaints are delayed because they go to the wrong body.
- Ask for a complaint number every time.
- For court matters, talk to a lawyer. Free advice is available if you can’t afford one.
Beware of Scams
- Don’t pay agents to “fix” a case, a hearing date or a certificate.
- Use only official websites and numbers.
- Never share OTPs or CNIC photos with callers claiming to be police, FIA, courts or NADRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who do I call in an emergency?
Call 15 for Punjab Police.
2. Where do I report cybercrime?
To the NCCIA on 1799. The FIA no longer handles cybercrime.
3. How do I get free legal advice?
Call the Legal Aid Society’s helpline on 0800-70806.
4. Where can I complain about a Punjab government office?
To the Ombudsman Punjab (helpline 1050).
5. How do I check my court case?
Use the Case Management System for Punjab district courts, or the Lahore High Court and Supreme Court websites for those courts.
6. Is this a government website?
No. We’re an independent guide, not legal advice.