The Sindh Excise and Taxation Department has extended the deadline for biometric verification of vehicles and motorcycles to August 14, 2025. This move provides citizens with additional time to complete the mandatory process. Deputy Director Asif Ali Bhatti confirmed this is the final extension, with no further delays permitted. Vehicle owners must act promptly to avoid penalties or legal complications.
Final Warning for Compliance
Bhatti emphasized that no additional extensions will be granted beyond the new deadline. The department urges all vehicle owners, especially those with non-transferred ownership, to complete biometric verification before the cutoff. Post-deadline, biometric checks will be compulsory for buyers and sellers during vehicle transfers. This measure aims to curb fraud and ensure legal ownership transparency.
Motorcycle Number Plate Backlog
A significant backlog exists in motorcycle number plate distribution. While 6.5 to 7 million motorcycles are registered in Sindh, only 1.6 million plates have been issued. This leaves over 5 million motorcycles without proper plates. Bhatti highlighted the urgency for owners to collect their plates, as non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions.
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Standard Fee for Number Plates
The standard fee for a motorcycle number plate remains Rs 2,450. The department ensures affordability while maintaining regulatory compliance. Owners are encouraged to pay the fee and collect their plates promptly. Delays may result in increased scrutiny or fines, especially as authorities intensify verification efforts.
Service Expansion in Karachi
To expedite plate distribution, multiple counters are operational across Karachi, including at Civic Centre, Executive Office Clifton, and Awami Markaz. Online applications are also accepted for convenience. Due to rising demand, additional counters will open at Civic Centre to reduce wait times and improve service efficiency.
Enhanced Security Features
Newly issued plates include advanced security features, ensuring visibility under surveillance cameras, even at night. These enhancements aim to reduce vehicle theft and fraud, aligning with broader efforts to modernize Sindh’s vehicle registration system. Authorities believe this will improve law enforcement tracking capabilities.
Delays in Plate Issuance
Despite claims that plates are issued within a week, many citizens report month-long delays. This discrepancy highlights inefficiencies in service delivery. Bhatti acknowledged these concerns, assuring efforts to streamline processes. However, applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute complications.
Crackdown on Agent Mafia
Bhatti also addressed the persistent issue of the agent mafia, which exploits citizens by charging exorbitant fees for plate collection. Despite repeated crackdowns, these groups continue to resurface. The department is strengthening monitoring to eliminate such illegal practices, urging citizens to use official channels only.
Conclusion: Act Before the Deadline
With the final deadline approaching, vehicle owners must complete biometric verification and collect number plates promptly. The Sindh Excise Department’s measures aim to enhance transparency and security. Delays may lead to penalties, so timely compliance is crucial. Citizens should utilize official counters and avoid unauthorized agents for a hassle-free process.
