AS per the instructions of the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department, I had applied for the replacement of my vehicle’s number plate with the so-called ‘security-enabled’ one on Feb 18 by paying a fee of Rs2,450.

This was done through the relevant online portal. Since then, no information had been shared about the availability of the new number plates. Upon knowing that the cases applied till March 2025 were ready, I decided to go there personally to receive the new plates.

Upon reaching the department con- cerned, I found no official there who could guide me, or anyone, through the process. Somehow or the other, I got to know that the relevant section dealing in the matter was located on the fourth floor of the building.

It was 10.15 in the morning, and already a massive crowd was wrestling on the stairs to have the privilege of entering the office. The sultry weather and the narrow stairs made it seriously tough for me, a cardiac patient.

Somehow, my worsening condition attracted the attention of a staff member who helped me get to the actual office after considerable struggle as the crowd was getting rowdy and shouting all sorts of obscenities.

Once there, I saw number plates piled up right across the floor, and staff members trying to locate the number plates they were looking for. Mine was not found, and I had to return empty-handed after wasting over two hours.

The treatment I saw there being meted out to the people by the Sindh government was inhuman, and seriously deplorable.

Ibne Ahmed Siddiqui
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025