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Following a citywide crackdown by the traffic police, the Sindh Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department has revealed the number of applications in July alone for Ajrak-themed motorcycle number plates in Karachi.
According to the details, the Excise department disclosed having received over 60,000 applications during the month of July 2025 alone.
This sudden spike in applications has severely strained the Motor Registration (MR) Wing, where manpower shortages, server overload, and delays in printing and distribution are causing significant backlogs.
Although some printing has been outsourced to Lahore and Haripur, Karachi’s main printing facility is under heavy pressure.
READ: How to apply for new Ajrak bike number plates online in Sindh
The report further revealed that over 90,000 car number plates printed since 2022 remain uncollected. Officials say many vehicle owners delay collection, hoping to transfer responsibility to new buyers at resale.
The Ajrak-themed plates with enhanced security features cost Rs 1,850 for motorcycles and Rs 2,450 for cars. The MVR smart card is priced at Rs 1,600. The department will adjust previously paid amounts for those who had already applied.
To ease the burden, the E&T Department has extended the deadline for obtaining the new plates to August 14, and may extend it further depending on the backlog.
Since April 2022, over two million Ajrak-patterned number plates have been issued, but limited staff and rising demand continue to challenge the department.
Officials urge the public to use online services or visit designated centers at Boat Basin, Awami Markaz, Civic Centre, or the new counter at Karachi Press Club.
