Police and arrest

Arrest and bail

An arrested person must be told why, may consult a lawyer of their choice, and must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. Bail after arrest, or protective bail before arrest, is decided by a court and needs a criminal lawyer. Act today.

The law

Constitution of Pakistan, Article 10; Code of Criminal Procedure, sections 61, 497 and 498

What to do

1. 1

   Find out which police station is holding the person and the FIR number.

2. 2

   Contact a criminal lawyer now. Do not sign any statement without one.

3. 3

   Arrange a surety (zamanat) and documents for the bail bond.

Keep these ready

• FIR number and police station
• CNIC of the arrested person and the surety
• Property or salary papers for the surety

General information, not legal advice. Checked against public sources in 2026. Laws and procedures change, and local practice differs between districts.