How to get your Police Verification Certificate in Pakistan?

What is a General Police Certificate?

Employee background checks are an integral part of the recruitment process. Just as we would never trust our valuables or secrets with a stranger without knowing their background, organizations too must ensure that those they hire are trustworthy. Every new employee is given access to sensitive information and resources which, if mishandled, can severely damage the business. Therefore, conducting background checks has become a standard global practice. The process may differ across countries, but the end goal remains the same: building trust.

One important type of background check is the Criminal Record Check. It is carried out to create a safe, reliable and trustworthy working environment. When executed effectively, it supports a sustainable organizational culture by ensuring that no employee has been previously involved in any misconduct that could negatively impact the company’s assets, both physical and human. This helps ensure that no one within the workplace feels unsafe or vulnerable.

In the developed markets, processes are well-established, enabling employers to conduct such checks for all employees, regardless of their designation and this practice is followed rigorously. Due to system integration, employers can initiate criminal record checks independently without requiring the employee’s physical presence.

However, in the subcontinent, the process is different. Employers do not have direct access to centralized databases or digital portals that could provide this information. As a result, employees are often asked to obtain the necessary police clearance certificates themselves. Since most people are only told to “get it done” without proper guidance, here’s a quick step-by-step explanation of how to obtain the certificate individually.

General Police Certificate

‍A General Police Certificate is an official document issued by local police authorities confirming that the applicant has no criminal record. The basic process is similar across all provinces. Visit Portal/Khidmat Markaz > Submit documents > Follow police instructions > Wait ~2 weeks > Receive General Police Certificate. In case you are residing at an address different from your permanent one, you can provide an affidavit to obtain the certificate.

Here are the links to the resources that could help you in this regard, for each of the provinces:

1. Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)

Steps:

• Visit the Police Khidmat Markaz located at Sector F-6/1, H-11 Police Lines, or the nearest police station.
• Required Documents:
  • Original CNIC/B-Form
  • Affidavit (if the applicant does not have an Islamabad address on the CNIC)
• Turnaround Time: 3 working days from the application date.
• Fee: Rs 1,000/-

Here's the link to the Islamabad Police webpage: Islamabad Police

2. Punjab

‍Good news for residents of Punjab, you can easily apply online using the Punjab Police Mobile App, available on both: App Store and Play Store

Steps:

• Register on the app with your CNIC number and email.
• Navigate to Khidmat Markaz Services > General Police Verification.
• Click on Apply and select “Yes” when asked if the applicant is available in person (when applying personally).
• Upload a recent photo and enter your personal details.
• If you are a public sector employee, a departmental NOC will be required.
• Enter your address and select the police station under which your area falls.
• Provide your date of stay at your current address and the purpose for obtaining the certificate.
• Once completed, a PSID (Payment Slip ID) will be generated. Pay the total amount using an online payment service.
• The certificate will be delivered to your address within a week.

Incase of an issue, you can visit the nearest police station.

Here's the link to the Punjab Police webpage: Punjab Police Khidmat Markaz Portal

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

Police clearance documents certify that a person has never been involved in any criminal activities, has a clean criminal record, and has not engaged in any criminal activities during a specified period.

Steps:

• Write a simple application for a Police Clearance Certificate on a blank page.
• Submit the application along with your CNIC, passport copy, and two photographs at the SP office to get the SP’s signature on the application.
• Take the signed application to the local police station where you reside.
• Submit the file with all requisite details at the local police station.
• The case will be referred to the respective officer for inquiry and verification. After the report is completed, it will be forwarded to the Station In-Charge.
• The clearance will be signed by the SHO.
• If there is nothing adverse against the applicant, a printed Police Clearance form will be issued after obtaining the applicant’s thumb impression and photograph.
• Finally, you can collect the Police Clearance Certificate from the DPO office within 7 working days.

Here's the link to the KP Police webpage: KPK Police Clearance Certificate

4. Sindh

You can apply through the portal by following pretty much the same steps as for the Punjab portal. Take the Case ID and visit your nearest police station with your original CNIC, its photocopies and a few passport-size photographs. You'll be able to receive the certificate within the given time frame.

Here's the link to the Sindh Police webpage: Sindh Police Portal

5. Balochistan

Steps:

• Visit the Police Khidmat Markaz or the nearest police station.
• Required Documents:
  • Original CNIC or B-Form and a photocopy
  • Affidavit
• Turnaround Time: 3 working days.
• Processing Fee: Rs. 150 (to be deposited at any counter of the Police Mobile Khidmat Markaz).

Here's the link to the Balochistan Police webpage: Balochistan Police Khidmat Markaz

6. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)

For applicants from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), you can visit the nearest police station to apply for the certificate. If you are currently residing outside AJK, you can apply at the police station nearest to your present residence by submitting an affidavit along with your CNIC.

7. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)

You can visit the nearest Khidmat Markaz or the nearest police station and follow the same process as you do for other.

Here's the link to the GB Police webpage: Gilgit Baltistan Police Khidmat Markaz

Next Step:

Once you receive your certificate, ensure that it contains:

• Official stamp and signature
• Tracking ID or reference number
• Issuing date and authority

Submit a digital (PDF) copy of the certificate to your HR department once received.

Pro tips

• Always use your current residential address for verification.
• Make sure your certificate is not older than six months.
• Keep a scanned copy for your personal records.

Final note:

A General Police Certificate is more than just a formality, it is a key part of building a transparent and trustworthy hiring process. By verifying that an employee has no criminal history, organizations can reduce risks to their assets (both material and human), data and workplace safety, ensuring a secure environment. For employees, completing the process demonstrates reliability and professionalism, reinforcing trust from potential employers.

The process in Pakistan may differ across provinces, with some offering online portals and others requiring in-person submissions. Regardless of the method, it is critical that applicants provide accurate information, follow instructions carefully and use their current residential address for verification. Delays or errors can not only slow down the hiring process but may also cast doubts on the applicant’s credibility.

Finally, both employers and employees should treat the certificate as a living record: ensure it is up-to-date, typically not older than six months and maintain a digital copy for reference. While the process may take a few days, the benefits are clear, reducing risk, establishing trust and fostering a culture of accountability and safety within the organization.

Know a bud who's struggling with the job hunt? Here's a resource that would help: Career Playbook