The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise Department will auction unique vehicle number plates with tribal, family and regional names in Peshawar, opening a new market for exclusive registrations.
Specialised Number Plates for a New Market
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Excise Department has announced plans to issue a new category of specialised and unique vehicle number plates. These plates are designed for people who want a more distinctive identity for their vehicles and are willing to pay a premium. Instead of ordinary registration numbers, the new plates will feature tribal names, well-known family names and regional identifiers, turning vehicle plates into symbols of identity and status as well as basic registration markers.
Auction to Be Held in Peshawar on 27 January
According to the department, the auction for these special number plates will take place on 27 January in Peshawar. Interested buyers will be able to bid for specific plates that carry the names they value most. The event is expected to attract businessmen, tribal elders, collectors and motorists who want a unique plate for their car or SUV. By organising a public auction, the Excise Department aims to keep the process transparent while also maximising revenue for the provincial government.
Plates Named After Tribes, Families and Regions
The list of plates being offered includes some of the most prominent tribal and family names in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Examples include Wazir 1, Mehsud 1, Khattak 1 and Mohmand 1, each reflecting major tribal identities in the province. In addition, plates such as Khan 1, Gandapur 1, Durrani 1, Kundi 1, Swati 1, Arbab 1, Khalil 1, Afridi 1 and Yousafzai 1 are also being put up for auction. Special plates named after regions, including Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohat and Bannu, will also be issued, allowing bidders to highlight their ancestral area or home district on their vehicle.
Base Price, Bid Security and Payment Rules
The KP Excise Department has set a base bidding price of Rs. 1 million for each unique number plate, placing the scheme firmly in the premium segment. To participate, each bidder must deposit Rs. 100,000 as bid security, a measure intended to discourage non-serious participants. The department has clarified that if a successful bidder fails to pay the full amount within the specified time, the bid security will be forfeited and the plate can be offered again.
Why KP Is Introducing Exclusive Number Plates
Excise officials say the initiative is aimed at providing distinctive and exclusive number plates in the province while also modernising vehicle registration services. Around the world, many regions offer personalised or special series plates as a way to raise revenue and give motorists more choice. By auctioning off limited, high-profile plates, the department can generate additional income without raising fees for ordinary drivers, while also promoting more advanced systems in public services and digital tracking of high-value plates.
Impact on Motorists and the Wider Market
For most vehicle owners, the new plates will not replace standard registrations; they will exist as a separate premium category. However, the availability of exclusive tribal and regional plates could influence the market for used and high-end vehicles, as some buyers may be willing to pay extra for a car that already carries a prestigious plate. For the government, successful auctions could provide a useful source of non-tax revenue that may be reinvested in road infrastructure and digital systems.
What Interested Bidders Should Do Next
Individuals interested in securing one of the unique plates should monitor official Excise Department announcements for detailed auction procedures. They will need to prepare the Rs. 100,000 bid security and decide their maximum bid, keeping the base price of Rs. 1 million in mind. Because the plates are limited and carry high-profile names, competition is likely to be strong, and successful bidders will gain not only a legal registration identifier but also a personalised symbol of tribal, family or regional pride on the road.
