Sindh
Sindh’s Minister for Excise, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, has issued a stern warning that starting from April 3, only vehicles displaying new Ajrak-designed number plates will be acceptable across the province.
This decision is part of the government’s efforts to streamline vehicle registration and enforcement processes, as well as to preserve and promote local cultural heritage through the distinctive Ajrak design.
Chawla made these remarks during a meeting on the implementation of this new policy, which was held under his leadership. In addition to his role as Minister for Excise, Chawla also holds the portfolio for taxation and narcotics control.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Secretary Excise Muhammad Saleem Rajput, DIG Traffic Police Karachi Ahmed Nawaz, and representatives from the National Highway Authority (NHA), Safe City officers, and other concerned parties.
During the meeting, Chawla was briefed in detail by Secretary Excise Rajput and DIG Traffic Police Karachi Nawaz on the steps required for the successful rollout of the new number plates.
The provincial minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan that includes the collection of fines for violations related to motor vehicle taxes and traffic regulations.
To facilitate this, he proposed the establishment of counter desks at key locations like the Civic Center and Excise Department Facilitation Centers, providing a one-window operation for paying fines.
Additionally, Chawla called for the timely issuance of new Ajrak-designed number plates for vehicles, which will be available through check posts managed by the traffic police.
This initiative aims to ensure smoother coordination between the Excise Department and traffic police, particularly in the collection of Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) taxes and the enforcement of traffic fines.
Chawla further instructed that traffic police personnel be deployed at road check points to assist in enforcing the policy and managing vehicle tax payments.
He also recommended that the payment of outstanding fines be made a prerequisite for transferring vehicles or processing tax payments. This would ensure that any pending dues are cleared before transactions can proceed.
The Excise Department will also support the traffic police by maintaining detailed records of outstanding traffic fines.
Chawla’s plan includes activating an online system that would quickly identify pending taxes and traffic fines, allowing for a centralized payment process. He directed Secretary Excise Rajput to prepare a proposal for the implementation of these measures promptly.
The new system is expected to streamline the process of managing vehicle registration and fines, while also enhancing the cultural significance of the Ajrak design.
By enforcing the use of these distinctive number plates, the Sindh government aims to integrate traditional designs with modern administrative practices, thereby promoting both efficiency and cultural identity in the province.
