Criminal law · For citizens
302, 324, 420, 489-F: what the numbers mean
In short
Each FIR number is a section of the Pakistan Penal Code: 302 is qatl-i-amd, 324 attempt to murder, 420 cheating for property, 489-F a bounced cheque. And for sentence maths, section 57 counts life imprisonment as 25 years.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 14 November 2026 · 12 slides · 2 min read
Life in prison counts as 25 years.
When a court works out part of a sentence. PPC section 57.
“In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life shall be reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty-five years.”
Pakistan Penal Code · Section 57, Fractions of terms of punishment
302: qatl-i-amd.
Intentional murder. Three possible sentences.
- Death as qisasClause (a).
- Death or life as ta'zirClause (b): when the proof for qisas is not available.
- Up to 25 yearsClause (c): where qisas does not apply.
324: attempt to murder.
No one has to die for 324 to apply.
- The actDone with the intent that would make it qatl-i-amd if death followed.
- PunishmentUp to 10 years, and fine.
- Someone hurt?Plus the punishment for that hurt.
420: cheating.
Why people say "char sau bees".
- The actCheating someone into handing over property or a valuable security.
- PunishmentUp to 7 years, and fine.
489-F: the bounced cheque.
Section 489-F, PPC.
“Whoever dishonestly issues a cheque towards repayment of a loan or fulfilment of an obligation which is dishonoured on presentation, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine, or with both ...”
Pakistan Penal Code · Section 489-F, Dishonestly issuing a cheque
The twist in 489-F.
The burden is on the person who wrote the cheque.
- His defenceHe had arranged with his bank that the cheque would be honoured.
- AndThe bank was at fault in not honouring it.
- Who proves itHe does. The section says so.
Quick quiz. Which number?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. 302
- B. 420
- C. 489-F
Answer: B. 420.
Cheating, and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
- Not 302No one was killed.
- Not 489-FUnless he also gave you a cheque that bounced.
The board to keep.
And life counts as 25 years in sentence maths (s.57).
- 302Qatl-i-amd: death, life, or up to 25 years.
- 324Attempt to murder: up to 10 years, and fine.
- 420Cheating for property: up to 7 years, and fine.
- 489-FBounced cheque: up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
A number on your FIR?
Ask FAI what it means and what comes next.
- My brother's FIR says 324. What does that mean?
- Is 489-F bailable, and what is the punishment?
Example questions
Sources
- Pakistan Penal Code · Section 57
Fractions of terms of punishment Pakistan Code - Pakistan Penal Code · Section 489-F
Dishonestly issuing a cheque Pakistan Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
