Sindh Extends Biometric Verification Deadline for Vehicle Registration

The Sindh Excise and Taxation Department has extended the deadline for biometric verification of vehicles and motorcycles until August 14, according to a report.

Citizens have been strongly advised to complete the biometric registration of their vehicles before the new deadline. Deputy Director Asif Ali Bhatti confirmed that this will be the final extension, warning that no additional time will be given beyond the stated date.

Bhatti emphasized that any vehicle not currently registered under the owner’s name must undergo the transfer and biometric verification process without delay. After the deadline, biometric authentication will become mandatory for both buyers and sellers during vehicle transfers.

He also revealed that more than 5 million motorcycle owners in Sindh, including those in Karachi, have yet to collect their official number plates. Although 6.5 to 7 million motorcycles are registered across the province, only 1.6 million plates have been issued so far. The standard fee for a motorcycle number plate is Rs 2,450.

To ease the process, multiple distribution counters are operational in Karachi, including at the Civic Centre, Executive Office Clifton, and Awami Markaz. Citizens may also apply online for number plates. Due to increasing crowds, authorities are planning to expand the number of counters at the Civic Centre to improve service delivery.

Bhatti noted that while efforts are ongoing to curb the influence of agent mafias, these groups often reemerge. The newly designed number plates are equipped with advanced security features, making them visible to surveillance cameras even at night.

Although the department claims that plates are typically issued within a week, many citizens report delays of up to a month or more in receiving them.