When someone is arrested in Pakistan, the first question on their mind is, “What are my rights?” If you or a loved one has ever faced a police investigation, the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 becomes critically important. This law lays the legal foundation for how police officers can record personal identification details such as fingerprints, photographs, and measurements of persons under custody or suspicion.
As experienced criminal lawyers in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, we at MAH&CO. aim to break this down in simple, real life terms for you.
The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 is a colonial era legislation still enforced in Pakistan. It authorizes the police to take.
Fingerprints
Footprints
Photographs
Other physical measurements
from convicted criminals, under trial prisoners, and in some cases, even those merely arrested or suspected of a crime.
In the age of digital forensics and surveillance, identification remains central to criminal investigations. But this law also raises important questions about privacy, consent, and police powers.
Convicted Persons: Anyone sentenced by a court of law.
Under Trial Prisoners: Those arrested and awaiting trial.
Suspects Arrested Without Warrant: In specific cases under suspicion.
Persons Ordered by a Magistrate: Even if not arrested, the court can direct someone to provide identification if necessary.
This means even an innocent person can be asked to give fingerprints if a magistrate sees fit.
Most people don’t know that you can refuse identification unless authorized properly. Police officers must follow due procedure. Here’s what you need to remember.
A Magistrate’s Order is Required for taking photographs or measurements from a person who is not convicted.
You have the right to consult a criminal lawyer before complying with such procedures.
Police cannot use force unlawfully to obtain your identification.
If you feel your rights are being violated, consult a criminal lawyer in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad immediately.
The identification process can be abused by overreaching police practices. As seasoned criminal advocates, we have seen cases where.
Innocent people were wrongly identified as repeat offenders.
Photographs were taken without consent.
People were humiliated or coerced during fingerprinting.
At MAH&CO., we take such matters seriously. We defend your constitutional rights and ensure police procedures are legally justified and not used for intimidation.
Imagine Ali from Lahore is arrested on suspicion of theft. He has no prior record, and there’s no concrete evidence. Yet, the police insist on taking his fingerprints and photograph.
Legally, they cannot do so without a magistrate’s approval. If they proceed, Ali has the right to challenge this in court and that’s where experienced criminal lawyers in Lahore come into the picture.
Whether you’re in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, your first call after any arrest or police interaction should be to a qualified criminal lawyer.
Here’s how we help at MAH&CO..!
We represent clients in court to challenge unlawful identification procedures.
We file writ petitions if constitutional rights are infringed.
We provide legal consultation before you consent to any form of measurement or photograph.
Today, with the rise of CCTV, AI facial recognition, and NADRA linked criminal databases, this law is being used in ways that weren’t imaginable in 1920.
It is now more important than ever to understand:
How your digital identity is affected.
Whether biometric data collected under this law is stored securely.
Your right to legal privacy and protection under the Constitution of Pakistan.
Whether you’ve been wrongfully identified or simply want to understand your rights better, we’re here to help.
We serve clients across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
We specialize in criminal defense and constitutional law.
We take a client first approach and your privacy is our priority.
The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 may be over a century old, but its impact on your daily rights is very real. If you or someone you know is facing police investigation, know your rights and contact a professional.
At MAH&CO., our criminal law experts in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are here to protect you every step of the way.