CNIC-Based Number Plates Introduced in Sindh

In a major step towards tightening vehicle registration and ownership regulations, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved a new CNIC-based number plate policy. Under this initiative, vehicle number plates—whether for motorcycles, cars, or large vehicles—will now be permanently linked to an individual’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

This means that when a vehicle is sold, the number plate will remain the personal property of the original owner. The Excise Department has clarified that only the individual whose CNIC is registered with a number plate will be recognized as its legal owner.

For buyers of new vehicles, the registration process will also change. Instead of receiving new plates with each purchase, buyers will now be required to register their vehicles online using their own CNIC-linked number plates.

According to the provincial government, this reform is designed to strengthen law enforcement efforts by making ownership easier to trace. The new system will help curb vehicle-related crimes such as theft, smuggling, and even terrorism, as all vehicle registration data will now be shared across provincial databases for improved coordination and monitoring.

This policy not only enhances transparency but also brings Sindh in line with international practices, where number plates are tied to individuals rather than vehicles. Authorities expect it to reduce fraud, prevent illegal transfers, and ensure that accountability remains with the rightful owner.

With this forward-looking measure, Sindh is setting a precedent for other provinces in Pakistan to modernize their vehicle registration systems, creating a more secure and reliable ownership structure across the country.

Afsheen Gohar

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