In Pakistan, thousands of people suffer lifelong consequences from criminal cases they never committed.
Sometimes FIRs are registered out of ego, revenge, caste conflicts, or personal vendettas, not because a real crime occurred, but to harass, intimidate, and criminalize innocent citizens. Even when courts later acquit these individuals, the stigma follows them for years.
Jobs become impossible.
Visas are rejected.
Businesses collapse.
Reputations are destroyed.
This practice has now been firmly declared illegal by the Lahore High Court.
A Landmark Judgment by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh
In Writ Petition No. 44024/2025, Dr. Uzma Hamid Siddiqui vs IG Punjab & Others, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh delivered a powerful judgment protecting the dignity and future of acquitted persons.
The Court relied on:
- Article 14 of the Constitution (Right to Dignity)
- Article 4 of the Constitution (Right to be treated in accordance with law)
The ruling makes one thing absolutely clear:
An acquitted person is innocent, completely and honorably innocent.
There is no concept of “half innocence” in law.
What Does “Honourable Acquittal” Mean?
The Court clarified that every form of acquittal is honourable, including:
- Acquittal after full trial on merits
- Discharge under Section 249 CrPC
- Cancellation (Class “B” / “C”)
- Acquittal due to lack of evidence
- Compromise-based acquittal
Once a person is acquitted, they legally return to the same position they held before the FIR ever existed.
In simple terms:
The law treats them as if no case was ever registered.
Police May Keep Internal Records — But Cannot Stigmatize Citizens
Under Police Rules 1934, police may retain internal records of FIRs for up to 60 years.
However, the Court emphasized:
These records are only for internal use.
They must NOT appear on Police Character Certificates (PRC).
A Police Character Certificate is required for:
- Employment (local & international)
- Study visas
- Immigration
- Business purposes
Including acquitted FIRs on this certificate violates constitutional rights and destroys livelihoods.
The Case of Dr. Uzma Hamid Siddiqui
Dr. Uzma Hamid was booked in an FIR in 2016 under sections including 420 PPC along with her family.
Later:
- She was acquitted under Section 249 CrPC
- Prosecution withdrew the case under Section 494 CrPC
Despite this, Punjab Police issued her a character certificate still mentioning the FIR, adding a vague remark: “No adverse involvement.”
She feared that foreign embassies would not understand Pakistani legal terminology and might reject her visa simply because an FIR appeared.
She approached Lahore High Court.
The Court agreed with her completely.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh ordered:
Police Character Certificates must be clean. Any FIR resulting in acquittal or discharge must NEVER be mentioned.
Final Ruling
The Court categorically held:
- Showing acquitted FIRs on character certificates is unconstitutional
- It violates dignity and due process
- Police Orders 2002 and Police Rules 1934 do NOT authorize this practice
Police may store FIRs internally but Character Certificates must remain spotless for acquitted persons.
Why This Judgment Matters
This ruling protects millions of innocent Pakistanis who were dragged into false cases.
It restores:
- Human dignity
- Career opportunities
- International mobility
- Social respect
Most importantly, it prevents weaponization of FIRs for personal revenge.
Conclusion
If you were falsely implicated and later acquitted, the law stands firmly on your side.
Your Police Character Certificate must be clean.
You are innocent.
And now, the Lahore High Court has made that crystal clear.