KARACHI: The Sindh government’s new policy mandating Sindh-specific number plates for all licensed vehicles has triggered widespread frustration and chaos in Karachi.
Aimed at curbing vehicle theft and improving tax collection, the rollout has instead led to long delays, confusion, and strict traffic enforcement, aggravating residents.
Karachi, home to 3.5 million registered motorcycles and 2.3 million cars, faces a massive challenge in implementing the new plates. However, unclear guidelines from the Excise Department have left citizens vulnerable to fines and harassment by traffic police.
In just two months, over 52,000 challans have been issued, and more than 12,000 vehicles and motorcycles seized for non-compliance with the policy.
Residents visiting the Civic Centre to get their plates often face rejection due to production delays. While only 500 motorbike plates were requested in two months, over 5,000 applications came in within 10 days, according to an Excise official.
The cost of the plates—Rs 1,850 for motorcycles and Rs 2,450 for cars—has also drawn criticism, with many arguing they have already paid registration fees.
Political leaders like MQM-P’s Farooq Sattar and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Munem Zafar Khan have denounced the policy, calling it “systematic extortion.”
Although online applications are allowed, citizens demand that plates be couriered to avoid repeated trips. The Excise Department’s launch of Ajrak-themed plates to honor Sindh’s heritage has been overshadowed by poor infrastructure and lack of public awareness.
With traffic challans continuing unabated, Karachi residents are urging a temporary halt on fines until the process is streamlined. Without swift reforms, public trust in provincial authorities risks further erosion.
