LHC Orders Punjab Police to Use Standard, Readable FIR Format

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab Police to introduce a standard and easily readable format for computerized First Information Reports (FIRs) across the province.

The directive was issued by Chief Justice Alia Neelum while hearing a contempt of court petition involving former Chuhng Station House Officer (SHO) Rashid Amin Butt.

Court Raises Concern Over Small Font

During the hearing, the chief justice expressed concern about the very small font being used in some computerized FIRs.

She observed that certain FIR documents were difficult to read even for people wearing glasses.

The court noted that information that would normally extend over several pages was sometimes being compressed into a single page, apparently to reduce paper consumption.

Punjab Police Told to Adopt Uniform Template

The court directed Punjab Inspector General Abdul Karim to ensure that police stations throughout the province use a standard computerized FIR format with an appropriate font size.

The LHC also ordered the preparation and circulation of a uniform FIR template for use across Punjab.

The chief justice said a standard font should be fixed so that FIRs have a consistent and readable appearance.

PITB Already Working on the Issue

The Punjab IG informed the court that the police had already contacted the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) regarding the formatting issue.

According to the official, PITB had provided technical assistance and the text of FIRs can now be enlarged by up to 70%.

Chief Justice Neelum said the required changes should not take more than one or two days to implement.

Report Due on September 29

The Lahore High Court directed the Punjab IG to submit a report detailing the steps taken to implement the new FIR format.

The court scheduled the next hearing for September 29, when the police report will be reviewed.