Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP): 2025 Master Guide for Complaint Submission & Tracking

(Updated 18 August 2025 | Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Citizens & Overseas Pakistanis)

Step 1: Download & Install

• Android: Google Play Store → Search "Pakistan Citizen Portal"
• iOS: App Store → Download Pakistan Citizen Portal [8]
• Compatibility: Requires iOS 11+ or Android 7.0+
• Size: 77.5 MB (iOS) / 55 MB (Android)

Critical Fixes (2025 Updates):

• Email Verification Bug: If app crashes during verification, go to Menu → "Verify Email" instead of main pop-up [8].
• International Numbers: Pad shorter foreign numbers with zeros during registration (e.g., 123456 → 1234560000) [8].

Step 2: Register Your Account

1. Open App → Tap "Register"
2. Enter Details:
   • CNIC (no dashes)
   • Mobile number (Pakistani or padded international)
   • Email (active for OTP)
3. Verify:
   • SMS OTP sent to mobile
   • Email link (check spam)
4. Set Password: 8+ characters with uppercase + number

Pro Tip: Overseas Pakistanis must register with Pakistani CNIC + foreign number (use family’s Pak number if unavailable) [4].

Step 3: Submit a Complaint

1. Tap "+" → Select "Complaint"
2. Fill Form:
   • Category: Choose from 40+ options (e.g., "Police Misconduct", "Electricity Overbilling")
   • Description: Be specific: "LESCO bill #XX-XXXXXX charged ₨12,000 for 200 units—meter photo attached."
   • Attachments: Upload bills, photos, FIRs (max 5 files, 2MB each)
   • Location: Enable GPS or pin manually
3. Submit → Note 10-digit token number (e.g., PCP-2025-XXXXXX)

Avoid Rejection:

• No anonymous complaints [11].
• Politically sensitive issues require lawyer support [4].

Step 4: Track Complaint Status

Method 1: App Dashboard → "My Complaints" → View real-time stages:

| Status | Meaning | Next Step | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------| | Received | Complaint logged | Wait 48 hrs | | Forwarded | Sent to relevant department (e.g., WAPDA) | Monitor daily | | Under Investigation | Department verifying claims | Respond if evidence needed| | Resolved | Closed by department | Rate satisfaction |

Method 2: SMS PCPSTATUS <token> to 9988 (free)

Method 3: Web portal → 8171.bisp.gov.pk → Enter token/CNIC [10]

User Alert: Departments can mark complaints "resolved" without your consent. Demand reopening rights via app feedback [8].

Resolution Timelines & Escalation

| Complaint Type | Standard Time | Escalation Path | |-------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------| | Municipal (e.g., garbage) | 7 days | City Mayor Office | | Police/Bribery | 20 days | IGP Portal → Provincial Ombudsman | | Overseas Issues (e.g., property) | 20 days | OPF Lawyers Panel [4] | | Utility Overbilling | 14 days | NEPRA (if unresolved) |

Success Rate: 68% satisfaction across 351 complaints resolved in 2025 [10].

Critical 2025 Features & Warnings

• Feedback Power:
  • Rate resolutions 1–5 stars → Impacts officer performance reviews [10].
  • Unhappy? Tap "Reopen Request" within 7 days (limit: 2 reopens/complaint).
• Overseas Pakistanis:
  • Use OPF’s Complaint Cell for land mafia/family disputes [4].
  • Attach embassy attestations for property documents.
• Fraud Alerts:
  • PCP never asks for OTPs/payments.
  • Verify all "resolution notices" via official portals.

Troubleshooting Table

| Issue | Fix | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | App crashes on launch | Update to v3.2.1+ → Clear cache → Reinstall [8] | | "Invalid CNIC" error | Visit NADRA e-Sahulat center for biometric sync | | No status update in 10 days | Email token to [email protected] + CC relevant department | | Department falsely closed | Escalate to PM Citizen Portal with evidence |

Pro Tips for Power Users

• Bookmark Departments: Save frequent recipients (e.g., "IESCO") for 1-tap submissions.
• SOS for Urgent Cases:
  • Add "EMERGENCY" to description → Triggers 72-hr priority review.
  • Example: "EMERGENCY: Illegal electricity disconnection during heatwave."
• Track Officer Performance:
  • Tap officer name in "Resolved" tab → View their avg. resolution time/rating.
• Weekly Digest: Enable notifications for policy changes (e.g., new utility tariffs).

One-Screen Cheat Sheet

1. Install: App Store/Play Store → Register (CNIC + mobile)
2. Complain: "+" → Category + description + attachments → Submit
3. Track: Dashboard / SMS PCPSTATUS <token> to 9988
4. Rate: 1–5 stars → Reopen if unsatisfied
5. Escalate: Stuck? Forward to PM Portal or OPF Lawyers [1]

"PCP turns bureaucratic walls into digital ramps—your voice scales them in seconds."

Bookmark this guide. Share with relatives abroad—especially those fighting property fraud!