KARACHI: The Sindh Department of Excise and Taxation announced on Friday that the deadline for replacing vehicle number plates with the new, security-enhanced Ajrak design has been extended by two months. The previous deadline was set for today, but the department has now granted additional time, according to an official notification.
Citizens are now permitted to update their vehicle registration plates to the modern security features until December 31. This extension follows the earlier deadline of October 31, which was announced by the department.
Residents of Karachi had recently staged protests against the introduction of Ajrak-style number plates, prior to their demonstrations against the new e-ticketing challans. The Sindh Excise and Taxation Department had previously extended the deadline for the same purpose on August 4.
The decision to prolong the deadline was made under the directives of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, during a meeting with Sindh Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla. During the discussions, Bilawal was briefed on the ongoing campaign to promote security features in number plates, aimed at bolstering security measures across the province.
Minister Chawla stated that the rollout of these advanced plates is expected to significantly enhance security and curb vehicle theft. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the extension to facilitate public convenience, while also receiving updates on the performance of PPP members in the Sindh Assembly.
Additionally, Mukesh Kumar Chawla highlighted that the Sindh Narcotics Department has recently seized drugs valued at a record Rs 7 billion in its ongoing campaign against narcotics.
It is noteworthy that the Sindh government’s initiative to implement new number plates for all licensed vehicles has faced public criticism. While intended to reduce vehicle theft and improve tax collection, the program has resulted in delays, prolonged issuance processes, and increased traffic enforcement challenges.
