Last checked against official source: 10 Nov 2026 By Abubakar Iqbal, Asaan Guide
Going abroad for work, study or immigration usually means one more document: a police character certificate. In Punjab it is handled by the Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM), and the good news is you no longer have to travel to the district you used to live in. Here is what to bring, what it costs and how long it takes, re-checked on official Punjab pages on 10 November 2026.
Quick answer
Apply at any Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) in Punjab, for any district. Bring your original CNIC (or B-Form) and passport with copies, plus an affidavit. It takes 3 working days and is delivered by courier. The fee is paid at the PKM counter, but two official pages show different amounts: Rs 350 (Lahore Police) and Rs 500 (PKM Punjab). Confirm at the counter.
Official page: Lahore Police – Police Character Certificate
Police character certificate Punjab: fee and processing time
| Official source | Fee | Time | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore Police (opened 10 Nov 2026) | Rs 350, paid at a PKM counter | 3 working days after application | Courier |
| PKM Punjab services page (search copy, 10 Nov 2026) | Rs 500, paid at a PKM counter | 3 working days after application | Courier |
Why two fees? We don’t know. Both are official Punjab Police pages and both say you pay at the PKM counter. The PKM page may simply be the newer one, but neither shows an update date. Take Rs 500 with you, pay only at the counter, and keep the receipt.
Documents needed
- Original CNIC or B-Form + photocopy
- Original passport + photocopy
- Affidavit
- Photograph (if the certificate is for a blood relative)
- If the applicant is abroad: an authority letter, either stamped by the relevant embassy or attested by two respectable persons who know the applicant. It must also mention how long the applicant has stayed abroad.
How to apply at a Police Khidmat Markaz
- Collect the documents above, with photocopies.
- Go to any Police Khidmat Markaz in Punjab. You can apply in one district for another: for example, if you live in Lahore now but need a certificate for Sahiwal, where you used to live, apply in Lahore.
- Submit the documents at the counter and pay the fee there.
- Keep your receipt. The certificate is processed in 3 working days and sent to you by courier.
If you are abroad
A blood relative (father, mother, brother, sister, etc.) can submit the form for you at a PKM in Punjab. They need your documents and your authority letter, stamped by the embassy or attested by two respectable persons, stating how long you have been abroad. Your passport must be valid, so if it is close to expiry see our passport fee and renewal guide first.
Can you apply from home?
We could not find a fully online, do-it-yourself application on the official Punjab pages. Punjab’s Maryam Ki Dastak service (dastak.punjab.gov.pk) sends a facilitator to your door, and its official app listing includes character certificates among its services (the listing says it is available in Lahore, with more districts coming). Dastak adds its own charges, so check the total before you book.
Before you apply: check your CNIC
An expired CNIC can hold you up at the counter. If yours is near expiry, see our NADRA ID card renewal fee guide. For a child’s certificate you will need a B-Form; see how to apply for a B-Form. Some embassies also ask for a family certificate, covered in our NADRA FRC guide.
What the official pages don’t say
- How long the certificate stays valid. Ask the embassy or employer that asked for it how recent it must be.
- Whether it needs further attestation (for example by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before use abroad.
Frequently asked questions
What is the police character certificate fee in Punjab?
Lahore Police’s page says Rs 350 and the PKM Punjab services page says Rs 500, both paid at a PKM counter. Confirm the current fee at the counter.
How many days does it take?
3 working days after you apply, then delivery by courier.
Can I apply in Lahore for another district?
Yes. The official page says you can apply at any PKM in Punjab for any district.
Can someone apply for me if I am abroad?
Yes. A blood relative can submit the form with your authority letter (embassy-stamped or attested by two respectable persons).
Do I need a passport to apply?
Yes. The official list includes the original passport and a copy.
Can I apply online?
We found no fully online self-service route on official Punjab pages. Dastak offers a doorstep facilitator for an added charge.
More guides like this are in our Police & Certificates section.
Official links
- Lahore Police – Police Character Certificate: https://lahorepolice.punjab.gov.pk/police-character-certificate
- PKM Punjab – services: https://pkm.punjab.gov.pk/public/home/services?id=a
- Maryam Ki Dastak (doorstep services): https://dastak.punjab.gov.pk/
- Police emergency: 15 · IGP Complaint Center: 1787
Related guides
- NADRA ID card renewal fee 2026
- Passport fee in Pakistan 2026
- How to apply for a NADRA B-Form
- NADRA FRC: fee, types and how to apply
Last checked against official source: 10 Nov 2026 (Lahore Police page; PKM page via search copy).
Asaan Guide is an independent website, not affiliated with any government department. We do not process applications or take payments. Fees can change without notice, so confirm on the official page or at the counter before you pay. Found something out of date? Tell us.