Extensive documentation and a cumbersome process (fraught with bribes too) are the two primary reasons why more than 50% of vehicles in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities) are not officially registered.
Unregistered vehicles are menace for law enforcement agencies as it makes it impossible to issue traffic citations or track owners who are involved in crimes. To rectify this situation, Excise and Taxation Departments (E&TDs) are in the process of streamlining and simplifying the vehicle registration process by digitizing it. The system has already taken effect in Punjab and other provincial governments are expected to follow suit.
Dubbed the Dealer vehicle Registration System (DVRS), a nationwide implementation will put an end to long queues of vehicle owners outside E&TDS. To implement the online system, E&TDs are liaising with their respective provincial government and law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Bank of Pakistan.
DVRSs will eliminate in-person visits to E&TD offices for vehicle registration as it will enable authorized vehicle dealerships to complete their registration formalities at their point of sale by logging on to the DVRS’s online portal.
The steps involved include: the collection and submission of original identity credentials (CNIC and a driver’s license) of buyers, along with the registration fee to the E&TD; automatic issuance of a registration slip and license plates on the spot (even before the vehicle leaves the showroom); and finally, upon completion of background checks and buyer’s identity verification, the vehicle‘s registration book will be mailed to the customer’s address of record.
The implementation of the DVRS will benefit both vehicle owners as well as the Government. ‘Applied For’ signs instead of number plates (which restrict the vehicle’s movement to the city of purchase) will become obsolete, while law enforcement authorities will have a comprehensive and updated record of all vehicles sold in Pakistan, minimizing security risk. The other benefit is that since registration fees will be credited instantly to E&TD accounts, this will boost revenues as well.
By Syed Wajeeh-ul-Hassan Naqvi
