Sindh govt halts action on old vehicle number plates until August 14

Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Mukesh Kumar Chawla announced that no punitive action will be taken against vehicle owners using old number plates until August 14. The citizens are urged to install newly introduced Ajrak-themed plates to their vehicles.

The announcement came during a press conference held to reveal a major drug bust carried out jointly by the Excise Department and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

Chawla took the opportunity to address growing public concerns and recent protests over the controversial rollout of the new number plates.

Despite the deadline still being weeks away, traffic police have been issuing heavy fines to vehicle owners, particularly motorcyclists, sparking public outrage.

 'Ajrak will remain on number plates': Sindh minister dismisses criticism

Political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), have voiced their opposition. Jamaat-e-Islami recently led a ‘bike rally’ against what they called the government’s arbitrary enforcement of the policy, while MQM-P criticised the high cost and delays in issuance, demanding reforms in the distribution process.

Responding to the criticism, Chawla reiterated that a unified law is in place across Sindh, from Karachi to Kashmore, mandating the new Ajrak-style number plates for all vehicles.

He said that more than two million plates have already been issued.

Chawla also hinted at the possibility of extending the deadline beyond August 14 if public demand necessitates it, though he firmly ruled out any reduction in the plate fee. The current fee stands at Rs 2,450 for four-wheelers and Rs 1,850 for two-wheelers.

“We have already extended the deadline three times. This is a mandatory replacement, and we urge citizens to comply within the given timeframe,” Chawla said.