As part of a public awareness campaign, authorities have reminded vehicle owners that driving without a standard number plate is a legal violation. The Karachi Traffic Police and Sindh Police have launched a city-wide initiative urging compliance with vehicle registration laws to promote road safety and proper traffic management.

However, the campaign has also exposed widespread public frustration over significant delays in the issuance of official retro-reflective number plates a responsibility of the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department. Despite repeated payments and applications, many citizens report waiting months or even years for their number plates to be issued.

One vehicle owner shared, I applied in 2021 and paid the charges, but never received my number plate. I even paid the additional fee in April 2025 for the new design, yet theres still no update. Another frustrated motorist said, I submitted my application on February 2, 2025, and paid for home delivery, but Im still waiting. Where should we go if no one is listening?

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Complaints have also been raised about frequent police stops, causing inconvenience to drivers who have already complied with the process. Its not our fault. The system talks more and works less. Ive been fined since January but still havent received my number plate, commented a commuter.

In high-traffic areas like Saddar, motorists say the situation is worse, describing it as a target zone for enforcement checks, regardless of their documented compliance.

In an official notice, the Secretary of Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control (Sindh) confirmed that old number plates are no longer valid and all vehicles, private and commercial, must switch to the new reflective versions. Yet, a backlog in production and delivery continues to hinder implementation.

The public is now calling for urgent reform in the plate issuance process and better coordination between law enforcement and the excise department. Until then, drivers say they are being penalized for the inefficiencies of the very system meant to serve them.