Punjab Imposes Ban on Vehicle Registration in Islamabad for Its Residents

Islamabad:The Punjab government has recently approved an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which will impose a ban on residents of Punjab registering their vehicles in the federal capital, Islamabad. The amendment, which was approved by the provincial cabinet a few days ago, now requires approval from the provincial assembly before it becomes law.

Many residents of Pakistan’s larger provinces have historically preferred registering their vehicles in Islamabad. This trend has been driven by the perception that vehicles with Islamabad number plates are considered more prestigious. To understand why this preference exists and how it impacts the region, V News spoke with officials from the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department.

According to Bilal Azam, Director of the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department, the primary reason for this trend is the superior services offered by their department. He explained, “We offer vehicle registration and transfer services at the doorstep, and additionally, online facilities are available. The timely delivery of registration certificates after processing is another reason people prefer registering their vehicles in Islamabad.”

**Annual Vehicle Registrations in Islamabad**

Bilal Azam revealed that in 2024, a total of 204,508 vehicles were registered in Islamabad, while in 2023, the number was 205,570. In 2022, a total of 318,871 vehicles were registered. These numbers reflect the consistent demand for Islamabad number plates.

**Requirements for Vehicle Registration in Islamabad**

To register a vehicle in Islamabad, applicants need to provide their biometric information, a copy of their CNIC, the vehicle’s purchase documents, and Form F with details of the vehicle.

**Impact of Punjab’s Amendment on Islamabad’s Excise Department**

Bilal Azam further stated that the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance in Punjab would not affect Islamabad’s Excise and Taxation Department. “If Punjab is limiting vehicle registrations within its own jurisdiction, it won’t impact us in Islamabad,” Azam remarked. “Our department has consistently met the government’s set targets and will continue to do so in the future.”

**The Popularity of Islamabad Number Plates**

Imran Latif, a car dealer from the G9 sector of Islamabad, pointed out that almost all buyers request vehicles with Islamabad number plates. He explained, “While residents of Islamabad may prefer this, even people from other provinces insist on buying Islamabad-numbered cars.”

Latif noted that Islamabad-registered vehicles are seen as cleaner and in better condition compared to cars from other provinces. “Even a 15-year-old vehicle from Islamabad is considered comparable to an 8 to 10-year-old vehicle from other provinces due to Islamabad’s superior infrastructure, including better roads,” he explained.

Moreover, vehicles with Islamabad number plates tend to retain their value better and are easier to sell. According to Latif, “Vehicles from Islamabad are in such demand that they can often be sold for the same price or even more than what they were purchased for.” This trend contrasts with Lahore number plates, which have lost some of their former prestige due to alleged unethical practices.

**A Premium for Islamabad Number Plates**

Car dealers also mentioned that the price of a vehicle can increase by up to 100,000 rupees due to its Islamabad registration, despite there being no actual difference in the vehicle itself or its legal status.

Even residents from Karachi, a city known for its coastal climate and rust issues on vehicles, prefer Islamabad-registered cars. Karachi’s humid environment often causes vehicles to develop rust, whereas Islamabad’s drier climate prevents such damage, making Islamabad-registered vehicles more attractive.