Paying tribute: Number plates to honour writers soon

Salman Sufi says the specialised plates will be launched in 2016

LAHORE:

The government is set to introduce “specialty number plates” carrying the images of national heroes, including writers, poets, artists and painters, Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) Senior Member Salman Sufi said on Friday.

He was speaking at the opening session of the International Literary and Cultural Festival 2015 at Alhamra on The Mall.

Sufi said that following a directive from the chief minister, the SMU and the Excise and Taxation Department were collaborating to introduce the number plates. Owners of the vehicles would be provided the list from which they would select the image of the personality of their choice, he said.

“Such plates will not only provide a way to express love and respect for the personalities, they will also help improve the country’s image,” Sufi told The Express Tribune. He said the names of literary figures to be included in the list would be announced soon.

“The initiative has been taken on the chief minister’s instructions,” Sufi said. He said that following the chief minister’s directive in March, the SMU and the Excise and Taxation Department had drafted an amendment to Section 25 of the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, in order to introduce the plates.

The amendment was presented to the Provincial Assembly on May 25, 2015, which had referred it to the Standing Committee on Excise and Taxation Department. The committee approved the amendment on May 27. It was tabled in the assembly on June 10 and was approved the next day.

Sufi said the plates would come in two sizes; one the current standard and the other slightly larger. He said fonts and security features had also been finalised. The plates will be auto number plate recognition (ANPR) readable. The project would be launched in 2016, he said.

Commenting on the proposal, Arts Council Chairman Ataul Haq Qasmi said, “It is a wonderful idea. The achievements of those who have served the country through literary work must be acknowledged.” “The project will help portray a soft image of Pakistan,” he said.

Writer Munnu Bhai said, “Our celebrated heroes have always been those with swords and guns. Showing respect for literary figures through this project is a step in the right direction.” Sajjad Ahmad said the initiative was meant to promote culture, art and literature. “It will also encourage young artists.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2015.