FIA ends paper summons, rolls out digital attendance-notice system with QR codes

In a decisive push to curb forged summons and restore trust in its communications, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has officially discontinued all manually issued attendance notices under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Section 160, replacing them with electronic notifications bearing unique QR codes.

What changed: how the new system works

• Effective immediately, any summons or attendance notice from the FIA must be generated through its secure e-office system. Manual, hand-signed, or “printed on paper” notices are no longer valid. 

• Each valid notice will include a unique, verifiable QR code that citizens can scan to confirm authenticity. Notices lacking such a QR code should be treated as suspicious.

• The FIA has urged the public to report any suspicious notices via email at complaints@fia.gov.pk or by contacting its helpline at 1991.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, this step against manual summons aims to “prevent circulation of forged documents” and reinforce transparency and accountability in law-enforcement communications.

Why now: the backdrop of fake-notice scams

The move comes amid a surge in reports of fraudulent summonses, fake FIRs, and bailable notices, often delivered through WhatsApp, email, or social media, being used by criminal elements to extort individuals. Such scams typically target people with threats of arrest, cybercrime charges, or other legal consequences to force them to pay.

In many such cases, the bogus notices carried fake case numbers, forged signatures, or desktop-generated “official stamps,” and were used to terrorize innocent citizens into panic.

By formally ending manual summons and going fully digital, FIA hopes to cut off the supply line that scammers have exploited for months. Officials say the new system will make it far harder for criminals to fake valid-looking notices, since each electronic notice can be cross-checked instantly.

What this means for citizens

For Pakistan’s citizens, the new system translates into clearer guidance and stronger protection against fraud:

• If you receive a summons or attendance notice, always look for the QR code. No QR code = red flag.

• Do not comply with or respond to manually signed or hand-delivered notices claiming to be from FIA. These are now automatically invalid.

• Report any suspicious notices immediately. Use the official email (complaints@fia.gov.pk) or helpline (1991) as advised.

• Remain vigilant against fake WhatsApp messages, emails, or social-media summons. The FIA has previously warned citizens about such fraudulent attempts.

Bigger picture: part of a broader digital-transformation push

The digital summons system is not the first technological upgrade by FIA lately. Earlier this year, the agency developed an AI-based immigration app to streamline travel-related processes and enhance border security.

Agency officials say these steps form part of a larger push to modernize internal processes, replace outdated manual workflows, and leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and public confidence.