Punjab Number Plate E-Auction Under Scrutiny After Unusual Registration and Low Competition

Punjab Number Plate E-Auction Under Scrutiny After Unusual Registration and Low Competition

Punjab’s recent Number Plate E-Auction has sparked debate due to unusual procedures and unexpectedly low bidding results. Conducted in mid-September 2025, it featured the new AXV–AXY and AYF–AYQ registration series. However, the shortened process and lack of competition raised serious concerns about transparency and potential revenue loss for the government.

Unusual Short Registration Window

Unlike previous auctions that typically allow 2–3 days of online registration, this round offered just one day. The shortened registration process on the official E-Auction Portal / App likely restricted participation, discouraging many potential bidders from joining the Number Plate E-Auction.

New Series Launched in September

In September 2025, Punjab introduced a new registration series AXV–AXY and AYF–AYQ through its Number Plate E-Auction system. Unlike previous rounds, this auction had a shortened registration window, which limited participation. As a result, premium numbers sold at unusually low prices, raising questions about fairness and efficiency. The development has also sparked concerns over transparency and potential revenue loss for the government.

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Premium Numbers at Rock-Bottom Prices

What truly surprised observers was the low bidding on traditionally high-value plates. Personalized number plate buyers usually target premium numbers in Platinum Category, Gold Category, or even Corporate Category slots. However, numbers such as AYN-001 were sold for as little as Rs 10,000, far below market expectations in a Number Plate E-Auction.

Revenue and Transparency Concerns

The unexpected results have sparked questions about whether the short registration window and low participation undermined the goals of the transparent process. Punjab launched the Number Plate E-Auction system earlier in 2025 to improve fairness, expand access, and maximize revenue. Buyers can select your number, enter their chassis number, and generate a Payment Slip ID (PSID) online before submitting it for review by the Scrutiny Committee. Only after this review is the plate approval granted.

New Policy: CNIC-Linked and Transferable Plates

Adding to the importance of these auctions is a new policy effective September 1, 2025, under which number plates are linked to the owner’s CNIC. These CNIC linked plates are transferable plates, allowing buyers to retain their favorite or attractive number plate for life—even when changing cars—for a small transfer fee. This has made custom plate design and premium options like personalized number plate choices more valuable within the Number Plate E-Auction framework.

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Fancy Number Plate Ban & Demand for Vanity Numbers

At the same time, the fancy number plate ban has increased demand for official vanity number plates issued by the Excise Department. With the ban in place, motorists looking for a unique identity are now more dependent on official auctions to secure an attractive number plate.

Looking Ahead

The anomalies in September’s auction raise pressing questions:

  • Why was registration cut short?
  • Why did premium numbers in the Platinum or Gold categories attract so little competition?
  • How will the government prevent revenue loss in future Number Plate E-Auction events?

For vehicle owners and bidders, the outcome underlines the importance of monitoring upcoming auctions carefully. For the government, it highlights the need to ensure fair access, better communication, and stronger oversight so that the Number Plate E-Auction system fulfills its promise of being transparent, competitive, and revenue-generating.

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