IHC seeks response on vehicle fee, tax changes

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the respondents and sought their replies on petitions challenging three official notifications relating to the procedure for vehicle registration, the levy of advance tax on imported vehicles, and the increase in fees for special number plates.

The court also sought assistance from the Attorney General for Pakistan and called for comments from the Federation, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, and the Director General of the Excise and Taxation Department.

A division bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Asif issued a written order following the hearing of petitions filed by the All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association. Advocate Kashif Malik appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

According to the court order, the petitioner's counsel argued that amendments had been made to the West Pakistan Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, through a notification dated August 2, 2024, which included a complete substitution of Rule 32 concerning registration plates.

The counsel contended that the said notification contravened the West Pakistan Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965, as only the provincial government is empowered to frame rules under Section 43 of the Ordinance.

The bench issued notices to the Federation, the Chief Commissioner, and the DG Excise and Taxation Department, directing them to submit their responses at the next hearing. The case was subsequently adjourned.

The petitions have challenged three notifications: the 2 August 2024 amendments to the West Pakistan Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969; the July 10, 2025, notification increasing fees for special number plates; and the July 15, 2025, notification regarding the retention of number plates upon the sale of vehicles. The petitioners have requested that the latter notification be declared null and void.