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Delays in Sindh’s Ajrak-design number plates frustrate vehicle owners

Delays in Sindh’s Ajrak-design number plates frustrate vehicle owners

Web Desk
Jul 12, 2025

KARACHI: Sindh’s Excise and Taxation Department is pushing ahead with a city-wide rollout of security-enhanced number plates for vehicles and motorcycles, calling it a vital step for the Safe City Project. But while over 2 million plates have already been issued in Karachi, public frustration over delays, agent mafias, and allegations of exploitation continues to grow.

Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said the new Ajrak-themed plates include security features like barcodes, 3D holograms, and camera-readable threads. Only plates issued by Excise offices are valid, he said, warning that market-made plates lack these features and will not be recognised by surveillance systems.

According to Business Recorder, the minister explained that the initiative originally began in 2011 but faced multiple legal setbacks due to court stay orders. After the latest order was lifted in 2021, the manufacturing contract was awarded to the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), which has worked on similar projects in other provinces.

Chawla said the number plates are crucial for identifying vehicles through the 12,000 surveillance cameras already installed under the Safe City Project. The Excise Department has also linked its database with police and traffic authorities to better track unregistered vehicles and tax evaders.

Despite these efforts, residents have voiced concerns. Some report waiting months for their plates, while others say they were forced to pay agents thousands of rupees to get them.

Adding to the backlash, the All Pakistan Organisation of Small Traders has urged the Chief Justice of Sindh to take notice of what they claim is an Rs8 billion scam disguised as a number plate upgrade drive.

Chawla warned of action against unauthorised agents and urged citizens to use official Excise offices for registration. The plates cost Rs2,450 for vehicles and Rs1,850 for bikes.