Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has introduced a significant upgrade to its vehicle registration process with the launch of the Personalised Registration Mark System, a model that assigns the registration number to the citizen instead of the vehicle. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who described the new system as a step toward improved transparency, digitalisation and user convenience. Under the revised structure, any individual selling their vehicle will retain their existing registration number without paying any fee, while the buyer will apply for a fresh number. Officials highlighted that the number can remain with the citizen for up to three years even if it is not attached to a vehicle, making it similar to the way a CNIC or mobile number is tied directly to its owner rather than to a device or product.
The provincial administration stated that the adoption of a personalised mark system is intended to help curb fraudulent activity associated with traditional vehicle number plates. Chief Minister Afridi noted that the digital mechanism would minimise fake plates and reduce incidents of cloning, a concern frequently associated with conventional registration methods. He said the updated framework aims to create a more transparent process while also preventing the illegal use of vehicles that often occurs through unverified or duplicate registration numbers. During the briefing, officials explained that the online workflow being designed for the system is intended to simplify the full registration experience and relieve citizens of delays often linked to manual procedures.
The Chief Minister emphasised the government’s broader objective to make administrative systems more accessible. He directed the Excise Department to accelerate the creation of a comprehensive online registration platform so citizens can complete the entire process digitally without unnecessary steps. Afridi noted that the new approach aligns with the government’s priority to introduce reforms that deliver convenience to the public and help remove hurdles associated with outdated procedures. He added that efforts to strengthen digital governance will also contribute to broader provincial initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister announced a martyrs’ package for the Excise Department to acknowledge its role in anti narcotics operations, aligning their benefits with those offered to police personnel. Afridi commended the department for its continued work and expressed optimism that a drug free Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can be achieved with persistent action. Calling for intensified enforcement, he encouraged authorities to focus on major individuals involved in the drug trade rather than small scale participants. He reiterated a zero tolerance stance and said the administration intends to continue its efforts until the issue is fully addressed.
The launch of the Personalised Registration Mark System represents an important development in KP’s digital service reforms, addressing long standing issues related to registration security and updating the administrative experience for vehicle owners across the province.
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