Sindh Bans Use of Government Number Plates on Private Vehicles

Introduction

KARACHI: Inspector General of Police Sindh has ordered an immediate province-wide crackdown against private vehicles displaying government registration number plates.

The directive makes it clear that official number plates are reserved for government-allotted vehicles and cannot be installed or used on privately owned cars under any circumstances.

Crackdown Ordered Across Sindh

According to the police directive, some government officers have reportedly been using official registration plates on their personal vehicles.

Sindh Police has described the practice as illegal and a misuse of official privileges. All officers have been instructed to ensure that government number plates are displayed only on vehicles officially allotted by the relevant department.

The circular states that the illegal use of official plates affects transparency and creates difficulties for law-enforcement agencies when checking or identifying vehicles.

The IG Sindh has directed police field formations across the province to launch a special campaign to identify private vehicles carrying government registration plates.

What Action Will Be Taken Against Violators?

Police officers have been told to take action without considering the vehicle owner’s rank, influence or official position.

Under the directive:

• Illegal government number plates will be confiscated.

• Vehicles may be taken into police custody where required.

• Criminal cases may be registered when the relevant legal requirements are met.

• No official or private individual will receive special treatment.

The instructions apply to every private vehicle displaying an official registration plate without legal authorisation.

Similar restrictions have previously been issued in Sindh against the use of government plates on private, unauthorised or unregistered vehicles. Officials found involved in such practices may face legal proceedings as well as departmental action.

Officers Told to Ensure Strict Enforcement

Supervisory police officers have been directed to personally oversee the campaign and ensure that the order is implemented across their respective areas.

The IG Sindh has warned that negligence, weak enforcement or undue favour shown to any violator may result in departmental action against the responsible police officer.

The order has been issued for immediate implementation throughout Sindh, meaning checking and enforcement may begin without any additional deadline or grace period.

Private vehicle owners using government registration plates have therefore been instructed to remove them and use only the registration plates legally issued for their vehicles.

Source

ARY News: Current report on the IG Sindh directive and province-wide crackdown.