BEFORE the dust on the controversial ajrak-themed number plate project had settled, the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department has again introduced changes in the motor vehicle registration process and number plate series. Following the footsteps of Punjab, Sindh has also introduced a CNIC-based registration system in which a registration number issued to an individual will be retained even after the sale of the vehicle. It will be transferable to a new car that the owner buys within a stipulated period.

Besides, a unified registration series has been introduced for all four-wheelers instead of different series in place for cars, SUVs, EVs and commercial vehicles. The hastily introduced registration series features seven alpha-numeric characters in the same number plate size that previously had six characters. The result is a disproportionate and aesthetically odd-looking placement of the numbers on the registration plate.

To add insult to injury, the official fee for the different categories of choice registration numbers has been hiked manifold. The previous choice number fee ranged from Rs5,000 to Rs100,000 whereas the new fee ranges from Rs300,000 to Rs2 million. Needless to mention, aspirants for choice numbers would also have to budget for ‘unofficial’ fee in addition to those mentioned here. This choice number fee is for the regular registration plates, mind you. There is a Sindh premium number plate series as well under which choice registration numbers are auctioned to the rich and famous for unearthly prices.

It seems that the department has made the vehicle registration and number plate issuance process a money-making business. This has put the motorists under a lot of financial burden and inconvenience due to frequent and unnecessary changes.

Aamir Malik
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026