Punjab Excise Makes it Mandatory to Use Smart Cards for Vehicle Registration

Punjab Department of Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control has made it mandatory to use smart cards for vehicle registration, alongside computerized number plates. Currently, only the registrations applied for between June 15 and July 20 remain pending.

As of July 1, it is mandatory to use the computerized smart card system for vehicle registration, with a fee set at Rs. 1,300. The validity period for these smart cards has been extended to one month. These cards are produced in a specialized plant in Lahore and will be delivered directly to the owners’ addresses via Pakistan Post. At present, 14,619 smart cards are being prepared for vehicle and motorcycle owners in the Rawalpindi district.

Meanwhile, the production of computerized number plates has been halted due to complaints regarding the poor quality of materials used. As a result, vehicle and motorcycle owners have been obtaining number plates from the open market.

During a recent director’s conference, the department issued strict instructions to the motor and excise branches to enforce tax collection by setting quarterly targets for the new financial year. The motor branch has been tasked with a quarterly tax target of Rs. 1 billion.

The department has also issued formal notices for the submission of Property Tax, Luxury Tax, and Commercial Property Tax across all six districts of the Rawalpindi Division. A special 5% discount on property tax is being offered to taxpayers who make their full tax payment for the first quarter (July 1 to September 30). Additionally, a 7% discount is available for those who pay their taxes through the online e-system. Notably, all new property tax notices reflect a 10% increase in the tax for every taxpayer.

The Director General of Excise has directed all inspectors and field staff to conduct door-to-door and market visits to collect taxes.