Balochistan starts one-month free vehicle registration campaign

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has launched a one-month campaign offering free registration of vehicles and motorcycles across the province, according to Director General Excise and Taxation Muhammad Ayub Hazara.

Hazara said special desks have been set up at all excise offices to facilitate the public during the campaign. He said these counters will remain open throughout the week, including Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, to make the process easier for citizens.

According to Hazara, the initiative was proposed to Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti after petroleum prices rose sharply. He said many vehicle owners in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan had not transferred the registration of their cars and motorcycles into their own names, which made them ineligible for the fuel subsidy that had been announced.

He said the chief minister approved a one-month free registration package following the proposal. The campaign formally began on April 6.

Only smart card and number plate charges apply

Under the package, citizens will not have to pay the usual registration charges during the campaign period. Hazara said applicants will only be required to pay the cost of the smart card and the number plate.

He said the smart card fee has been fixed at Rs2,250, while the number plate will cost Rs1,800.

The campaign applies across Balochistan and is aimed at helping vehicle and motorcycle owners complete registration through the excise department’s offices during the one-month window announced by the provincial government.

Hazara said the establishment of dedicated desks in all excise offices was intended to provide convenience to the public and support smooth processing of applications during the campaign.

The announcement comes as the provincial authorities seek to address the issue of unregistered or non-transferred vehicles and motorcycles in Quetta and other areas of Balochistan. According to the excise chief, the lack of registration in owners’ names had prevented many people from qualifying for the fuel subsidy announced by the government.

With the chief minister’s approval now in place, the province has started the temporary relief measure for one month, allowing residents to register their vehicles and motorcycles by paying only the smart card and number plate charges.