Sindh Govt Faces Court Case Over Costly Ajrak Number Plates

The Sindh government now faces backlash after introducing a policy that requires vehicle owners to replace their current number plates with Ajrak-themed ones. This decision has triggered legal action, as a petition challenges both the cost and the way the policy has been enforced.

Petition Filed Over Ajrak Number Plates

Social activist Faizan Hussain filed a petition on Wednesday, naming the Secretary of Excise and Taxation, the Motor Vehicle Registration Wing, and the DIG Traffic as respondents. He argues that the government is forcing citizens to pay again for plates they already purchased, this time with an Ajrak-themed design made compulsory without clear justification.

The new Ajrak number plates cost Rs. 1,850 for motorcycles and Rs. 2,450 for cars. According to the petition, these charges create unfair financial pressure, especially for middle-income vehicle owners already managing rising expenses.

Authorities Are Impounding Vehicles

One of the most controversial parts of the new rule involves the impounding of vehicles without the Ajrak plates. A recent government notification directs traffic police to issue fines and seize vehicles that fail to comply. This has angered many drivers and sparked protests on social media.

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Faizan notes that thousands of people still wait for their new plates due to processing delays. Meanwhile, counterfeit Ajrak plates remain widely available from roadside vendors. These contradictions raise concerns about enforcement priorities and the transparency of the entire rollout.

Policy Accused of Turning into a “Business Venture”

The petition makes a bold claim—it accuses the policy of being used for personal profit. Faizan alleges that officials from both the registration department and traffic police have converted a public initiative into a private revenue stream. What should have served a regulatory or cultural purpose, he says, now looks like a business scheme targeting ordinary citizens.

In addition, many drivers report harassment during enforcement, even when delays in plate delivery result from the authorities’ own system failures. This has added to growing frustration and distrust in the process.

The public response has been overwhelmingly negative. While many support the cultural value of the Ajrak design, they strongly oppose how the government has executed this policy. Citizens criticize the extra fees, delivery delays, and strict penalties that came without adequate planning.

In his petition, Faizan urges the court to make Ajrak plates free of charge for all previously registered vehicles. He also asks for an immediate stop to the impounding and fining of vehicles that haven’t yet received the new plates.

The Sindh High Court will likely take up the case soon. As the controversy gains attention, its outcome could shape how future government mandates are created and enforced across the province.

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