KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has rejected a request for an urgent hearing that challenged the provincial government’s decision to mandate new Ajrak-themed number plates for vehicles and motorcycles.

Social activist Faizan Hussain filed the plea, arguing that the government’s decision to enforce new Ajrak number plates is creating undue hardship for low-income citizens.

The petition points out that, under the Sindh government’s recent notification, authorities are penalizing motorcycles without the newly designed plates and, in some cases, seizing them.

During today’s hearing, Justice Zulfiqar Sangi stated that the issue, involving only a few thousand rupees, does not warrant priority during the judicial recess, especially with other more pressing cases still pending.

The SHC directed the court to take up the matter after the judicial vacations.

Petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Mushtaq Tanoli, argued that authorities are fining thousands of motorcyclists daily, making it an issue of urgent public concern.

The petition maintains that citizens have already paid for the previously issued, government-approved plates and should not bear the burden of additional costs.

The petition further demands that the government provide the updated Ajrak number plates free of charge and immediately halt fines and vehicle impoundments for not having the new plates.

The petition names the Secretary of Excise and Taxation, the Motor Vehicle Registration Wing, and the DIG Traffic as respondents. It seeks a court order directing these authorities to distribute the new Ajrak number plates free of cost and to stop issuing fines and impounding vehicles until the court resolves the matter.

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