LAHORE: In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing public facilitation, transparency and digital governance, the Excise & Taxation Department, Punjab, has formally launched the PAK-ID App for biometric verification of vehicles, developed in collaboration with NADRA and the Punjab Information Technology Board.
This innovative digital solution enables vehicle owners both within Pakistan and overseas to verify ownership for vehicle registration and transfer in Punjab through an entirely online system.
With the introduction of the PAK-ID App, overseas Pakistanis will no longer be required to visit Pakistani embassies, submit attested affidavits or execute power of attorney for vehicle ownership verification. Vehicle owners can now complete biometric verification and Face ID authentication conveniently from their homes using a mobile application. The Face ID feature is particularly beneficial for senior citizens whose thumb impressions may have faded or changed over time.
The PAK-ID App was formally inaugurated at the Directorate Office of the Excise & Taxation Department by Director General Excise & Taxation Umar Sher Chatha. Senior representatives from NADRA and PITB were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha stated that the department had been facing daily challenges related to biometric verification, resulting in delays in vehicle transfer processes.
He highlighted that overseas Pakistani vehicle owners, in particular, were burdened with lengthy and complex procedures involving affidavits, verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and attestations by Pakistani embassies. Additionally, the presence of ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) mechanisms had further complicated the transfer of vehicle ownership.
He emphasized that with the launch of the PAK-ID App, all manual, alternate and embassy-based verification procedures have been completely abolished. This digital transformation has significantly reduced human intervention, streamlined workflows and enhanced transparency and efficiency across the system. Terming the initiative a major public-friendly reform, he noted that citizens residing in remote areas of Pakistan as well as overseas will no longer need to visit Excise offices or rely on agents or intermediaries. Vehicle ownership transfer can now be completed from anywhere through biometric and Face ID verification.
The DG Excise further stated that the PAK-ID App reflects the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab’s broader vision of delivering citizen-centric services at the doorstep. He added that vehicle transfer fee collection is already being carried out through the E-Pay system, which is fully cashless, visit-less and paperless. Once ownership verification and fee payment are completed, the vehicle transfer process is finalized within 48 hours.
While speaking to the media, DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha shared that, in collaboration with NADRA, online verification of vehicle owners across all four provinces will lead to integration of provincial vehicle data at the national level. He added that the Excise Department is in the process of linking all relevant departmental data with NADRA to further strengthen digital verification and governance frameworks.
On the occasion, NADRA’s Chief Project Officer Rehman Qamar stated that the PAK-ID App is a secure, reliable and modern digital platform built on advanced biometric technology. He noted that the app will significantly enhance transparency, strengthen public trust and improve overall service delivery.
c/When asked, DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha said that the Excise & Taxation Department, Punjab will continue to introduce such public-friendly initiatives to provide maximum relief to citizens, promote digital reforms and improve service delivery through modern technology. At the conclusion of the ceremony, honorary shields were exchanged between the Director General Excise & Taxation and the Chief Project Officer NADRA.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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