Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has introduced a significant reform in vehicle registration with the launch of the Personalized Registration Mark (PRM) System, enabling citizens to retain their vehicle number plates even after selling their vehicles. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated the digital platform, highlighting the initiative’s potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in vehicle registration. The PRM system represents a shift toward modernized, citizen-centric governance, linking registration numbers to individuals rather than vehicles, and allowing citizens to retain or temporarily reserve their numbers for up to three years without attaching them to a new vehicle.
Officials explained that the mechanism functions similarly to CNIC or mobile numbers, with registration numbers assigned to the owner instead of the vehicle. Sellers of vehicles will be able to keep their existing registration numbers without incurring any fees, while buyers will need to apply for a new number upon purchase. By decoupling the number from the vehicle, the system ensures continuity for citizens and adds an extra layer of traceability and accountability in the vehicle registration process. This reform forms part of the provincial government’s broader push to digitalize administrative services and enhance the transparency and reliability of citizen interactions with public institutions.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that the PRM system would also help curb illegal activities, including the misuse of fake number plates and vehicle cloning, by establishing a secure, standardized, and traceable registration framework. The reform aims to reduce opportunities for corruption, ensure lawful use of vehicles, and streamline verification processes for law enforcement agencies. In line with this vision, Afridi instructed the Excise Department to implement a fully online registration system, further improving convenience and accessibility for the public. By combining digital solutions with administrative oversight, the initiative reflects a modern approach to governance and public service delivery.
Alongside the registration reform, Afridi announced a martyrs’ package for Excise Department personnel, recognizing their contributions to anti-narcotics operations and equating the benefits to those provided to police personnel. The Chief Minister commended the department for its efforts and reiterated the government’s commitment to targeting major players in the narcotics trade. He emphasized zero tolerance for anyone involved in illegal drug activities and pledged to sustain strict enforcement measures to eradicate the menace.
The PRM system is expected to create a more accountable and citizen-friendly vehicle registration process while supporting law enforcement and public safety objectives. By digitizing the registration process and assigning ownership of registration numbers to individuals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aims to set a new standard for administrative efficiency and transparency. The initiative not only strengthens compliance with traffic and vehicle regulations but also highlights the role of technology in modernizing governance and improving citizen experiences. With this step, the province combines digital innovation with public safety priorities, positioning itself as a model for administrative modernization in Pakistan.
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