The Sindh Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department has seen an unprecedented surge in demand for its Ajrak-themed motorcycle number plates, with over 60,000 applications submitted in July 2025 alone. This increase comes after the traffic police’s strict enforcement campaign requiring updated and legal number plates across the province.
While the campaign has effectively raised compliance, it has also overwhelmed the Motor Registration (MR) Wing, which is grappling with server overloads, manpower shortages, and delays in printing and distribution of the plates.
Ajrak Plates in High Demand
The uniquely designed Ajrak-themed plates, launched in April 2022, feature enhanced security features and regional cultural motifs, and have become highly sought after. Priced at Rs. 1,850 for motorcycles and Rs. 2,450 for cars, these plates come with a Machine Readable Vehicle Registration (MVR) smart card, priced at Rs. 1,600. Previous payments by applicants are being adjusted under the new pricing structure.
Since their launch, over 2 million new number plates have been issued, but recent enforcement has strained the system beyond expectation.
Bottlenecks in Processing
To cope with the demand, printing services have been extended to facilities in Lahore and Haripur, but the primary Karachi plant remains under pressure. Additionally, there’s an existing backlog of over 90,000 uncollected number plates for four-wheelers, printed since 2022. Officials suggest that many vehicle owners delay plate collection intentionally, hoping to pass the responsibility onto new buyers.
Deadline Extended to August 14
In response to public pressure and logistical hurdles, the deadline to obtain new plates has been extended to August 14, with potential for further extensions. The E&T Department urges citizens to utilize online portals or visit designated centers at Boat Basin, Awami Markaz, Civic Centre, or the newly opened counter at Karachi Press Club.
