Small traders in Karachi raised concerns over the ongoing crackdown related to the new ajrak number plates for motorcycles, calling it a government-led extortion worth Rs 8 billion. The Pakistan Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industries Karachi, led by President Mehmood Hameed and other office bearers, has appealed to the Chief Justice Sindh to take notice.
According to the traders’ group, the Sindh government has started charging Rs 1,850 per ajrak number plate for the city’s 3.2 million motorcycles. However, citizens are forced to pay Rs 2,500 to agents to actually obtain the plates. They argue that this fee is illegal, as number plate charges are already collected as part of the advance tax at the time of motorcycle purchase.
The traders allege that despite payments, thousands of applicants from last year still have not received their number plates. Meanwhile, traffic police have launched a citywide campaign to penalize motorcyclists without the new ajrak number plate. Reports indicate mass challans, vehicle confiscation, and alleged bribery by officials.
Small traders state that motorcycles are essential for the working class and that rising fuel costs have left small shopkeepers with no option but to transport goods on bikes. They claim the traffic police are targeting bikers using the plate issue as an excuse for roadside fines and searches.
The organization has warned of a protest outside the DIG Traffic office if the policy is not withdrawn. They also criticized the restriction on Qingqi rickshaws on 20 main roads and linked it to rising unemployment.
The traders demanded the cancellation of the ajrak number plate policy and an end to what they call double taxation and misuse of authority.
