Karachi Police Launch Crackdown on Illegal Number Plates
Karachi police have announced a citywide operation targeting vehicles with fake, altered, or concealed number plates, in a move aimed at curbing motorists’ attempts to evade traffic fines and penalties. The crackdown is scheduled to begin on Friday, 19 December 2025, authorities said.
Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, made the announcement at a press conference at the Karachi Police Office, accompanied by Chief of the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Zubair Habib, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, and Director Excise Motor Registration Shabana Baloch.
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Speaking to reporters, AIGP Odho highlighted the improvements brought by the Traffic and Road Accident Control System (TRACS), which has streamlined traffic monitoring and allowed for more efficient issuance of e-challans. “The TRACS system has significantly improved traffic management and received positive feedback from citizens,” he said. “However, official monitoring indicates that some motorists are employing new methods to avoid fines, including the use of fake, hidden, or tampered number plates.”
Authorities explained that the crackdown will be a coordinated effort between district police units, excise officials, and CPLC members. Vehicles and motorcycles found violating registration rules will be seized, and cases will be filed against offenders. Officials will verify excise records before taking any action to ensure compliance and avoid wrongful seizures.
Odho also addressed motorists who have applied for legal number plates but have not yet received them, urging them to carry valid receipts. He warned that vehicles without legal registration plates, as well as those illegally using green number plates, will be temporarily impounded pending investigation.
The move comes as Karachi continues to grapple with traffic management challenges in one of the country’s busiest cities. Experts say that tampering with number plates not only undermines the e-challan system but also poses security risks, making it harder for law enforcement to track stolen or involved vehicles in criminal cases.
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Zubair Habib of the CPLC emphasized that public cooperation will be crucial for the campaign’s success. “Motorists must comply with vehicle registration laws,” he said, noting that joint operations are intended to create a transparent and enforceable traffic system rather than penalize the public indiscriminately.
Deputy Inspector General Pir Muhammad Shah added that this crackdown is part of a broader strategy to improve traffic discipline, reduce road accidents, and enhance overall law enforcement efficiency across Karachi. “Ensuring compliance with registration norms will also make the e-challan system more effective and fair,” he noted.
Officials have assured the public that the operation will be conducted with professionalism, and vehicles will only be seized when violations are confirmed. They also stressed that the campaign aims to create long-term compliance rather than a temporary enforcement spectacle.
As Karachi police prepare for the crackdown, motorists are advised to verify the legality of their number plates and avoid attempts to conceal or alter them. Authorities indicated that follow-up operations and monitoring will continue even after the initial campaign, signaling a sustained effort to enforce traffic laws citywide.
