The Sindh government has made it mandatory for all vehicles to display official Ajrak design number plates. This enforcement has caused a surge in demand as traffic police begin cracking down on vehicles without these new plates.
This article provides a complete overview of the Ajrak number plate system, its significance, features, fees, and the step-by-step registration process for car and bike owners across Sindh, especially in Karachi.
Why Are Ajrak Number Plates Mandatory?
The Ajrak-themed number plates are part of the Sindh Safe City Project, launched in 2018 to enhance public safety and law enforcement through advanced surveillance. According to Sindh’s Minister for Excise and Taxation, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, these plates play a critical role in crime prevention.
The minister emphasized that vehicle registration and ownership transfers are essential for effective tracking. Without verified vehicle records, law enforcement cannot operate efficiently. The new plates integrate with the surveillance camera systems already installed across major cities.
Key Features of the Ajrak Number Plates
These plates are not simply a cosmetic change. They incorporate several security and technological enhancements to support smart policing:
- Authentic Ajrak design unique to Sindh’s cultural identity
- Embedded background threads to prevent counterfeiting
- 3D holograms for visual verification
- Machine-readable barcodes
- Enhanced visibility for CCTV cameras, including night-time readability
These features are absent in plates manufactured by local vendors, which is why only Excise Department–issued plates are considered valid.
Official Plate Categories and Color Codes
The Excise Department has launched three distinct categories of plates based on vehicle type:
| Color | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|
| White | Private vehicles & bikes |
| Yellow | Commercial vehicles |
| Green | Government vehicles |
Plate Fees for 2025
As per the Excise and Taxation Department:
- The fee for number plates for four-wheelers (private, commercial, or government) is Rs. 2,450
- The fee for motorcycles is Rs. 1,850
- An additional Rs. 100 is charged if you choose to receive your payment challan by courier
Who Must Apply?
All registered vehicle owners in Sindh, including those who own:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Trucks
- Dumpers
- Commercial fleets
must apply for the new number plates. Unregistered or unverified plates are now considered invalid and subject to penalties.
How to Apply Online for Ajrak Design Number Plates
The Sindh government has provided a simple online process for plate registration. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official portal:
https://taxportal.excise.gos.pk/home/quick_pay - Select the vehicle type:
- Two-wheeler
- Four-wheeler
- Enter the following information:
- Your mobile number
- Vehicle registration number
- Captcha code
- Click “Vehicle Details”
- Ensure your motor vehicle tax is cleared before proceeding
- Choose your nearest Excise branch
- Click “Calculate Amount”
- Select “Deliver Challan via Courier” (optional)
- Fill in your name, address, and contact details
- A 12-digit PSID (Payment Slip ID) will be generated
- This will be sent to your mobile number via SMS
- Pay the amount using any of the following methods:
- Over-the-counter at designated banks
- ATM
- Online banking
- Easypaisa or JazzCash
Collection and Delivery of Number Plates
After payment, your request will be processed. Number plates typically take up to three months to be prepared.
Once ready, you will be notified by the Excise Department. You will need to visit the designated Excise office (e.g., Civic Centre Karachi) to collect your plates and surrender your old ones.
Final Remarks
With the implementation of Ajrak design number plates, the Sindh government aims to modernize vehicle identification and enhance public security. Vehicle owners are strongly advised to complete the registration process promptly to avoid penalties or legal issues.
