With the launch of Ajrak-themed number plates by the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department, Karachi has spiralled into a maze of utter confusion. No one properly knows what documents are required, what the process is, where to apply, etc., and the wrong people are feeding off it.

Don’t fall prey to the hands of third-party scammers or traffic police officers who are just trying to drive money out of your pockets. Know better.

Why are these Ajrak number plates even necessary? How does one apply for the new number plates online? Behold, all your worries will be solved in this article.

What are the New Ajrak Number Plates?

These number plates hold profound significance in a bid to make the city safer. According to Sindh’s Excise and Taxation Minister, this rule is part of the Safe City Project that began in 2018. Under this project, 12,000 surveillance cameras have been installed in the megalopolis.

It is stressed that unless vehicles and bikes are registered and properly transferred in the name of the rightful owner, crime in the city cannot be effectively controlled.

How will this help? The new number plates have barcodes on them, which are even readable at night, allowing better surveillance.

Important Features of the New Excise Number Plate

• The plates include threads in the background, 3D holograms and barcodes.
• The number plates are readable at night.
• The number plates are in three different colours: white plates for private vehicles and bikes, yellow plates for commercial vehicles, and green plates for government vehicles.
• The fee for a wheeler vehicle number plate is Rs 2,450, and the fee for bike plates is Rs 1,850.
• The registration process is not limited to cars and bikes, but those with trucks and dumpers could also apply.

However, people have complained that the Sindh government should have launched an awareness campaign to educate citizens about how to acquire the new retro-reflective number plates.

How to Apply Online For New Number Plates

Here’s how to apply for registration for a vehicle’s new Ajrak design number plate in Sindh:

• Open this link: https://taxportal.excise.gos.pk/home/quick_pay
• Choose vehicle type: four-wheeler or two-wheeler
• Enter your mobile number and vehicle registration number (Your motor vehicle tax should be clear till date)
• Enter the captcha code
• Click on Vehicle Details
• Select the nearest branch
• Click on Calculate Amount
• Click on deliver challan to me via courier
• Fill in your address, name and other details there
• Generate PSID, then the amount will be shown there (fees for number plate and Rs100 for receiving challan copy via courier).
• A 12-digit PSID will be generated, and it will be sent to your mobile phone number as well
• Then you can pay the charges over the counter at designated banks, through EasyPaisa, ATM or online banking.
• After submitting the requisition, follow the instructions on how to get new number plates from the Excise department office in your city (from the Civic Centre in Karachi)

Things to Know Before Applying

• Before applying, first clear motor vehicle tax dues
• Options for e-transactions is also available so drivers can save themselves from being exhausted by clustered department visits.
• Transfer of Ownership (which can either be downloaded from the official website or obtained at the facility) must be submitted along with copies of valid CNICs of both buyer and seller, and a Rs1,000 sale deed or e-stamp, which can be acquired from any branch of Sindh Bank.
• The driver must carry the receipt of replacement with them while driving (physically).
• You normally need to wait for about three months for the new plates to be prepared. However, know that officials have admitted that backlog at excise and taxation offices is yet to be cleared, which is causing delays.
• When the plates are ready, you’ll be notified and can collect them, surrendering the old plates (this part is necessary).
• You will need to bring the original file and old number plate, regardless of whether it is in any condition. However, if you have lost your old number plate, then you need to apply for a duplicate number plate.
• The biometric verification and physical presence of the buyer are required.

Beware of These Problems

Ever since this new announcement has been made, some fallout has occurred that might possibly hold back the target it was supposed to achieve.

People are now selling pseudo-number plates (in Saddar, etc.) that don’t have any barcodes or features that allow surveillance to be possible. This will result in vehicle-led crimes still being carried out despite the checks and balances. Don’t fall for this trap; pay some fee and be on the radar.

Due to lack of correct information among the public regarding the required process and documentation for the issuance of new number plates, transfer of ownership, and smart cards, many vehicle owners are either compelled to make multiple visits to government offices or fall prey to “agents” operating near these facilities due to overcrowding at information desks.

With the above steps, you can apply for the new Ajrak number plate and keep yourself safe from third-party scammers and make things easy for both yourself and the officials.