The Punjab government has revised Section 24 of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, allowing vehicles to be registered in any district across the province. This change lifts the previous requirement that tied vehicle registration to the owner’s permanent residential district.
Excise Director General Umar Sher Chattha explained that these reforms aim to improve inter-district mobility and streamline the registration process. The current registration series will remain in place, with added convenience through online payment options and electronic registration cards.
The Excise Department also reported record revenue of Rs. 30.453 billion for the first half of FY 2024-25, marking a 23% annual growth.
Additionally, the Punjab government has announced plans to stop residents from registering their vehicles in other provinces or Islamabad to curb tax evasion. The Excise Department has received approval from the Cabinet to enforce this ban.
This practice, previously used to avoid taxes, has led to growing security and tax collection concerns. Penalties will be introduced for Punjab CNIC holders who register vehicles outside the province.
The government will also focus on controlling off-province registration using NADRA district codes. Those who bypass the rule will face fines upon re-registration in Punjab. Legislation is underway following Cabinet approval.