Backlog frustrates motorists as Ajrak-themed number plate deadline nears

KARACHI: With the Oct 31 deadline fast approaching for vehicle owners to obtain new Ajrak-themed number plates, hundreds are rushing to the Civic Centre daily — only to return disappointed due to a months-long backlog at the Excise and Taxation Department.

Many vehicle owners who had applied several months ago for the new retro-reflective plates said they were turned away by officials, who cited delays in delivery.

The rush intensified after the department warned that traffic police would begin issuing challans from the last week of October against vehicles without the new plates.

“I applied in January but came now because I heard challans would start soon,” said a car owner waiting in line. “Even though I received the message that my plate was ready, I couldn’t collect it earlier.”

Others said they had received no message at all. “I applied two months ago for ownership transfer and the new Ajrak plate, but my file is ready — the number plate isn’t,” another applicant said.

Excise Department officials attributed the congestion to the surge in last-minute visits. A senior officer said plates for those who applied before June have mostly been delivered or collected, adding that the remaining backlog would be cleared “soon,” though no date was specified.

“There’s no delay for newly registered vehicles,” he claimed. “The problem is with replacements — the daily volume has jumped from 300–400 to more than 10,000 applications.”

The official also revealed that more than 50,000 prepared plates remain uncollected, creating “space constraints at the centre.”

Despite the department’s assurances, long queues and mounting frustration persist, as thousands of motorists race against the looming deadline to comply with the new plate regulations.