# Police called you in? Know these rules first. > The investigating officer calls you by an order in writing (CrPC s.160). You must answer questions about the case, except those that could expose you to a criminal charge (s.161(2)). You do not sign your statement (s.162), no one may threaten or tempt you (s.163), and a confession to the police cannot be proved against an accused (Qanun-e-Shahadat Art. 38). - Topic: Criminal law - For: Citizens - A 11-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/police-called-you-in-know-these-rules-first - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-12 ## Myth or fact? What people often fear. - **Myth: If the police call me, I must sign whatever statement they write.** - **Fact: A statement you make to the police in an investigation is not to be signed by you (CrPC s.162(1)).** ## Can they call you? Section 160, CrPC. - **In writing** The investigating officer calls you by an order in writing. - **Who** A person who appears to know the facts and circumstances of the case. - **From where** Within the limits of his own or an adjoining police station. ## Quick quiz. One question. Guess first, then swipe for the answer. - **A. Yes, every question** - **B. No, not that question** - **C. Only with a lawyer present** ## Answer: B. Section 161(2). The rule in the law. > "Such person shall be bound to answer all questions relating to such case put to him by such officer, other than questions the answers to which would have a tendency to expose him to a criminal charge or to a penalty or forfeiture." (Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 · Section 161(2)) ## What they write down. Sections 161(3) and 162. - **Written down** The officer may write your statement, with a separate record for each person. - **Not evidence** It is used at trial only to contradict a witness, on the accused's request. - **Say it early** A statement recorded late can lose its value unless the delay is explained (2022 SCMR 986). ## No threats, no promises. Section 163, CrPC. - **No pressure** No police officer may offer an inducement, threat or promise to get a statement. - **Your free will** And no one may stop you making a statement you want to make freely. ## Myth or fact? The confession fear. - **Myth: Anything I admit at the police station will finish my case.** - **Fact: A confession to a police officer cannot be proved against the accused (Qanun-e-Shahadat Art. 38). Made in police custody? Only if a Magistrate was present (Art. 39).** ## Before a Magistrate. Section 164, CrPC. - **Who records** A Magistrate, not a police officer. - **The warning** You are told you are not bound to confess, and it may be used against you. - **Voluntary only** It is recorded only if the Magistrate believes it is voluntary. ## Called to the police station? Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it. - **The police called my brother as a witness. Does he have to go, and can he refuse to sign?** - **Is a confession made in police custody admissible?** ## What this does not mean - The duty to answer under CrPC s.161(2) does not cover questions whose answers could expose you to a criminal charge, a penalty or forfeiture. - Section 160 is about a person who appears to know the facts of the case, called in writing from within the limits of his own or an adjoining police station. - Art. 38 of the Qanun-e-Shahadat covers a confession to a police officer. A confession recorded by a Magistrate under s.164 is a different thing. ## Questions people ask ### Do I have to go if the police call me as a witness in Pakistan? Under CrPC s.160 the investigating officer can require a person who appears to know the facts of the case to attend, by an order in writing. It applies within the limits of his own or an adjoining police station. ### Do I have to sign my statement to the police? No. A statement made to the police in an investigation is not to be signed by the person making it (CrPC s.162(1)). ### Can I refuse to answer police questions? You must answer questions about the case, but not those whose answers could expose you to a criminal charge, a penalty or forfeiture (CrPC s.161(2)). ### Is a confession to the police valid in court in Pakistan? A confession to a police officer cannot be proved against the accused (Qanun-e-Shahadat Art. 38). A confession made in police custody can be proved only if a Magistrate was present (Art. 39). ### Can the police threaten me to give a statement? No. Under CrPC s.163 no police officer may offer an inducement, threat or promise to get a statement, and no one may stop you making a statement freely. ## Sources - Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 · Section 161(2): Examination of witnesses by police --- 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. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.