Sindh Government Extends Deadline for Mandatory Ajrak-Themed Number Plates Until August 14

The Sindh government has officially extended the deadline for vehicle owners to switch to the newly introduced Ajrak-themed number plates, giving motorists until August 14 to comply without facing penalties. The announcement was made by Provincial Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla during a press briefing held in Karachi.

No Fines — But Only Until August 14

During the press conference, Chawla assured the public that no fines will be imposed on vehicles that have yet to adopt the official Ajrak number plates within the new grace period. However, he warned that standard traffic rules will continue to be strictly enforced. This means riders and drivers without helmets, valid licenses, or updated documents will still be fined according to existing traffic laws.

A Symbol of Sindh’s Heritage

“Ajrak is a proud symbol of Sindh’s rich cultural heritage and will remain a permanent part of the new number plate design,” said Chawla. The Ajrak pattern, a centuries-old block-printed design, is a cultural icon in Sindh and holds significant emotional value for the province’s people.

Despite its cultural appeal, the rollout of the Ajrak-themed plates has received mixed feedback from the public. Some citizens have questioned the design’s legal status, durability, and practicality. Addressing these concerns, officials reiterated that the new plates are mandatory, embedded with modern security features, and are a crucial part of the province’s Safe City initiative.

Enhanced Security and Representation

Government representatives explained that the new Ajrak-themed plates are not just symbolic but functional, designed to improve vehicle identification and prevent forgery. They will be issued for all vehicle categories — from motorcycles and cars to commercial vehicles — to ensure uniformity and better monitoring on roads.

The Sindh Excise Department has urged all citizens to complete the plate replacement process before the extended August 14 deadline to avoid last-minute delays and the risk of penalties after the cutoff date.

No Plans for Rollback

Despite the mixed public response, the government remains committed to the initiative. “The extension offers relief, but compliance is essential. These plates are not optional,” Chawla emphasized, indicating that the province will continue with the project to strengthen both cultural identity and road safety.

Afsheen Gohar

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