The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Punjab home secretary to issue a police character certificate to Abdul Rehman Faryad. The certificate must not mention an old FIR from which he was acquitted.
Faryad had challenged a letter from the Punjab home department dated June 3, 2025. The letter refused his request for the certificate, citing an FIR registered against him. The FIR was related to alleged violations of the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2001.
The home department said it could not delete the FIR record because police rules require FIRs to be kept for 60 years. Officials argued this retention is for administrative use only and does not violate constitutional rights if handled properly.
However, the LHC bench, led by Justice Abher Gul Khan, disagreed with the home department’s decision. The court noted that the allegations did not involve moral turpitude or serious crimes. Since Faryad was acquitted, the court said continuing to link him with the case harms his dignity and goes against the presumption of innocence.
The LHC ruled that making adverse assumptions based on an acquittal is legally wrong. Justice Khan directed the Punjab home secretary to issue the character certificate that reflects the petitioner’s true legal standing.
This decision by the LHC upholds the rights of individuals acquitted of charges, ensuring their records are not unfairly affected by old, dismissed cases.
The ruling sends a strong message about fairness and justice in issuing police clearances.
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