The craze for premium number plates is growing fast in Pakistan. From luxury cars to everyday vehicles, many owners now want a registration number that stands out or reflects their identity. But such plates do not come cheap, and only those willing to pay large sums usually get their hands on them.
Now, residents of Peshawar will get another chance to bid for a number plate of their choice.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise and Taxation Department has announced a fresh auction of exclusive vehicle registration plates, scheduled for February 14 at the Qayyum Sports Complex in Peshawar. The move comes shortly after a successful earlier auction that attracted strong interest from buyers.
This round will feature 40 premium registration plates, many carrying names linked to tribal roots, regional pride and family identity. Plates bearing names such as Dawar, Hoti, Shinwari, Waziristan, Mehsud, Jadoon, Marwat, Khattak, Qadri, Pashtun, Sheikh, Khyber, Raja and Awan are expected to draw heavy bidding.
Such names have proven highly popular in previous auctions. One recent example was the plate “Wazir 1”, which reportedly sold for a record Rs1.5 crore, highlighting just how far buyers are willing to go for a meaningful registration number.
Each plate in the upcoming auction carries a reserve price of Rs1 million. Interested bidders must complete advance registration and follow the Excise Department’s rules before taking part.
Officials say the decision to hold another auction within weeks reflects rising demand from car collectors, wealthy motorists and buyers who see number plates as a symbol of status and heritage. Plates linked to family names or regional identity have been especially sought after, often leading to intense competition.
Beyond personal pride, the auctions also help the province generate non tax revenue. At the same time, they point to a wider cultural shift in Pakistan, where vehicles are increasingly used to express identity, lineage and belonging.
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