The Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has introduced a new digital system, the PAK-ID mobile application for biometric vehicle verification.
Developed in partnership with NADRA and the Punjab Information Technology Board, the app allows users, both within the country and abroad, to confirm ownership for vehicle registration and transfer through biometric authentication and facial recognition.
Under the new system, overseas Pakistanis will no longer need to travel to embassies, submit notarized affidavits, or grant power of attorney to complete verification. Instead, they can authenticate their identity remotely using Face ID and biometric validation from their smartphones.
Officials noted that the facial recognition feature is particularly helpful for elderly citizens whose fingerprints may have faded over time, making conventional biometric scans difficult.
The app was formally launched at a ceremony attended by Excise and Taxation Director-General Umar Sher Chatha, who described the initiative as a major step toward eliminating procedural bottlenecks.
He explained that manual verification methods had long caused delays in vehicle transfers, especially for overseas owners who previously had to navigate complex documentation requirements involving multiple departments.
Authorities said the system integrates with the existing e-payment platform, allowing citizens to pay transfer fees through a fully cashless and paperless method. Once verification and payment are completed, the ownership transfer is expected to be finalized within 48 hours.
Officials added that the project will eventually support verification of vehicle owners across all provinces. The excise department is also working to link its databases with NADRA.