Fitness, registration of heavy vehicles: Sindh govt to proactively pursue the objective: Sharjeel

KARACHI: Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that an important meeting was held Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah.

In this meeting, the Chief Minister made several important decisions with the consensus of all relevant departments. The Sindh government has decided to take immediate action regarding the fitness and registration of all heavy traffic vehicles.

While addressing a press conference, Sindh’s Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, stated that motor vehicle inspectors were already present in the transport department, and now this process is being further accelerated. It is now mandatory for every heavy vehicle, including motorcycles and large transport vehicles, to have a valid fitness certificate. Vehicles without a fitness certificate will not be allowed on the roads.

He said “Our first priority in this regard is heavy vehicles. The transport department will ensure that all heavy traffic vehicles, including trailers, tankers, buses, and dumpers, undergo proper inspection and verification. Any vehicle that does not meet the fitness standards will not be permitted to operate.”

He stated that during the meeting, the Excise Minister informed that 80,000 number plates are ready for collection, but many vehicle owners have yet to obtain them. “Through this press conference, I request vehicle owners to collect their number plates from the Excise Department to avoid any inconvenience on the roads. Many people complain that the government does not provide number plates, but I want to clarify that these plates are available and ready for distribution. Please ensure compliance with regulations and collect them immediately to avoid potential fines.”

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that “the Water Board has also implemented a barcode system for all registered water tankers operating from authorized hydrants. These barcodes are issued to vehicles that meet fitness standards. Any vehicle operating without a barcode will be confiscated. Additionally, the fitness of vehicles that were previously issued barcodes will be re-evaluated. Furthermore, all unregistered vehicles will be immediately seized. Individuals involved in the water transportation business must register their vehicles with the Water Board. No unregistered vehicle will be allowed to operate in the city.”

He stated that a 30-day grace period has been given for heavy traffic vehicles to obtain a fitness certificate. Vehicles entering Sindh from other provinces will also be required to obtain a fitness certificate from Sindh authorities. Certificates issued by Punjab, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will not be considered valid in Sindh. The Punjab government has already enforced a similar law requiring fitness certificates for vehicles. Similarly, the Sindh government has now made it mandatory for all heavy traffic vehicles operating within the province to obtain certification from the Sindh government.

Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government had previously taken action against unregistered vehicles. The Sindh Assembly has already passed a law prohibiting showroom owners from selling vehicles without registration. This measure was introduced to streamline the process and increase government revenue. The law is in effect, and all showroom owners must comply with it. Any vehicle purchased from a showroom must be registered before leaving the premises. If an unregistered vehicle is found on the roads, it will be confiscated, and the showroom responsible for its sale will be sealed.

He stated that from Monday onward, strict enforcement of this law will begin. If any showroom allows an unregistered vehicle to leave their premises, the vehicle will be confiscated, and the showroom will face legal consequences.

He urged showroom owners to comply with this law, as it applies equally to all citizens. “You can sell vehicles, but they must be registered before being delivered to customers.”

Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government is committed to ensuring road safety and proper vehicle regulation, and we will continue to take necessary steps to effectively implement these policies. If someone purchases ten cars from a company for investment purposes, it will be mandatory to transport the vehicles using a trailer or car carrier. Once the cars reach the showroom, they can only be delivered to a customer after being registered. Failure to comply with this rule will result in legal action. If a showroom owner sells a car to another showroom owner, they must obtain a receipt. Additionally, if an unregistered vehicle is driven on the road, both parties involved will be held accountable.

He stated that two types of vehicles arrive at Karachi’s port in relation to imported vehicles. The first type consists of vehicles meant for the Sindh province, and the same law must be applied to them. These vehicles cannot leave the port until they are registered. If they are being taken to a showroom, they must be transported using a car carrier. Any unregistered vehicle leaving the showroom will be confiscated.

Sharjeel stated that the second type includes vehicles intended for other provinces. These vehicles must also be transported using car carriers and are not allowed on regular roads. The Sindh government has implemented a zero-tolerance policy on this matter, prohibiting the operation of unregistered vehicles within the city.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025