Punjab Excise Department’s Vehicle Registration System Down Amid Software Upgrade

Thousands of citizens across Punjab have been left frustrated as the vehicle registration system of the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has remained non-operational for the past two days. The disruption has caused long queues and wasted trips for people braving the intense summer heat in major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.

According to officials from the Excise Department, the unexpected suspension of services is due to an ongoing major system revamp and software upgrade. The department is updating its internal systems to align with newly revised tax rates, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency in the long run. However, the sudden halt has come at a heavy cost to the public, with services like new vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, issuance of number plates, and payment of motor taxes all temporarily unavailable.

Public Faces Heat and Delays

Applicants visiting excise offices have expressed anger and disappointment over what they say is poor planning and mismanagement. Many citizens argue that the software upgrade should have been conducted over a weekend or during public holidays to minimize disruption.

“It’s unbearable to visit again and again in this heat, only to be turned away,” complained a frustrated applicant outside the Lahore Excise Office. Similar scenes were reported from other cities, with people standing in queues for hours before being informed that services were suspended until further notice.

Department Assures Early Restoration

In response to public criticism, the Director of the Punjab Excise Department has assured that the revamped system is expected to be operational by tomorrow. Authorities have requested citizens to remain calm and advised them to check official updates before visiting any excise office to avoid unnecessary trips and further inconvenience.

Concerns Over Readiness and Planning

The sudden shutdown has triggered broader concerns about the department’s preparedness and its contingency planning for essential public services. While the system upgrade is intended to modernize operations and align them with new tax structures, citizens are calling for better communication and more strategic scheduling in the future to prevent similar disruptions.

As Punjab’s vehicle registration system undergoes this critical upgrade, the public is urged to stay informed through official channels for real-time updates. While the revamp promises long-term improvements, citizens hope the Excise and Taxation Department will prioritize smoother transitions in future system overhauls — minimizing downtime and ensuring essential services remain accessible, even during major updates.

Afsheen Gohar

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