SHC dismisses petition against Ajrak number plates

Court rules there is no legal basis to challenge installation of new vehicle plates in Sindh

The Sindh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the installation of newly introduced Ajrak-design vehicle number plates across the province, observing that there is no legal ground to contest the policy.

The petition was heard by the Sindh High Court (SHC) after a citizen, Faisal Hussain, approached the court against the mandatory implementation of the new Ajrak-design number plates.

The petitioner contended that the Sindh government had abolished the use of old number plates and made the new Ajrak-design plates compulsory, fixing their prices between Rs500 and Rs3,000. He argued that the decision imposed an unnecessary financial burden on the public.

The petitioner further submitted that the government notification clearly stated that failure to install the new number plates could result in fines and even seizure of vehicles, although citizens had already paid fees for their existing number plates.

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Representing the petitioner, his counsel argued that vehicle owners had obtained their number plates after paying excise duty and, therefore, any newly introduced plates should be provided free of cost. He maintained that charging an additional fee was unlawful and that the court had the authority to ensure that state officials exercised their powers strictly in accordance with the law.

The counsel requested the court to restrain the authorities from imposing further fees on citizens and to prevent any coercive action against vehicle owners who continued to use old number plates.

In its written verdict, the court observed that the petitioner’s objection was confined to the fee prescribed for the new number plates, which range from Rs500 to Rs3,000 depending on the category of the vehicle.

The court also noted that a public notice issued on December 17, 2024, had clearly explained the additional security features incorporated in the new Ajrak-design number plates.

After rejecting all arguments presented by the petitioner’s counsel, the court remarked that the issues raised in the petition did not meet any legal threshold. Consequently, the SHC dismissed the petition.