Unique Plates Set for Auction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department is set to revolutionize vehicle identification with a first-of-its-kind auction of “specialized” and tribe-based number plates. Scheduled for January 27 in Peshawar, the initiative allows motorists to personalize their vehicles with plates reflecting their heritage, region, or family name, as reported by Daily Pakistan.
This move follows the recent introduction of the Personalized Registration Mark (PRM) system, a digital overhaul that links registration numbers to the owner’s CNIC rather than the vehicle itself.
Exclusive Names and Tribal Identity
For the first time, vehicle owners can bid on plates featuring prestigious surnames and tribal titles. According to official reports, the auction will include names such as Afridi, Khattak One, Mehsud, Wazir, Gandapur, and Yousafzai One. Additionally, regional plates representing cities like Abbottabad, Swat, Malakand, and Kohat will be available for bidding.
The provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, aims to combine cultural pride with administrative modernization. By offering these unique identifiers, the department expects to generate significant revenue while fostering a sense of ownership among citizens.
Auction Details and Participation Requirements
Interested participants must meet specific financial criteria to join the bidding process. The base price for these unique plates is set at Rs. 1 million, reflecting their exclusive status. Furthermore, bidders are required to submit a security deposit of Rs. 100,000 to enter the auction.
The KP Excise Department has cautioned that the security deposit will be forfeited if the successful bidder fails to settle the remaining amount within the stipulated timeframe. This ensures only serious buyers participate in the high-stakes event.
Digital Transparency and Anti-Cloning Measures
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, these specialized plates are part of a broader security initiative. The new digital system is designed to eliminate the “agent culture” and curb the use of fake or cloned number plates. By centralizing the data through the KP Information Technology Board (KPITB), authorities can track vehicles more efficiently across Pakistan.
This reform aligns KP with global standards, under which registration marks remain with the owner for up to 3 years, even if they sell their vehicle. It effectively treats a number plate like a mobile SIM card, uniquely tied to the individual’s identity.
Next Steps for Motorists
The auction is scheduled to take place on January 27, 2026, in Peshawar. While the physical event will host the primary bidding, motorists are encouraged to monitor the official KP Excise portal for updates on online participation and subsequent auction rounds for other categories.
