LHC orders uniform font for Punjab FIRs

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has directed authorities to use a uniform and readable font for the registration of first information reports (FIRs) across Punjab.

The directive came during the hearing of a contempt of court petition concerning police officials from Chuhng. Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim appeared before the court in compliance with an earlier order.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed concern over the poor readability of the FIR presented before the court. She remarked that the document was so difficult to read that it could not be properly read even with spectacles.

“Even with glasses, this FIR cannot be read. At least use one font,” the chief justice remarked.

The judge questioned the authorities over the format being used for FIRs and stressed the need for a clear and standardised system. She also criticised the excessive use of paper-saving measures when they make official documents difficult to read.

“People say they are saving paper, but while saving paper, they have damaged our eyesight,” Justice Aalia Neelum remarked during the hearing.

Responding to the court’s concerns, IGP Rao Abdul Karim said the Punjab Police had sought assistance from the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) regarding the issue of fonts.

The chief justice subsequently directed the Punjab police to ensure that FIRs are registered using a uniform font throughout the province. The court also instructed the authorities to take practical measures to improve the readability and presentation of FIR documents.

The Lahore High Court has sought a compliance report from the Punjab police by September 29. The report will inform the court about the steps taken to implement the directive across the province.

The proceedings were held as part of the contempt case against Chuhng police officials. The court’s observations highlighted concerns over the standardisation and accessibility of official police documents, particularly FIRs submitted during legal proceedings.

Justice Aalia Neelum is the first woman to serve as chief justice of the Lahore High Court in its 142-year history. Her remarks during the hearing drew attention to the importance of maintaining clear and readable official records while using digital and paper-based systems.