ISLAMABAD: Director Excise and Taxation Department, Islamabad, Bilal Azam on Sunday assured his department’s commitment to provide more transparent and user-friendly services to citizens, especially in the area of vehicle registration and payment of token taxes. He emphasized the importance of using digital solutions to improve accessibility for residents while actively working to eliminate the role of agents who contribute to corrupt practices. He admitted the existence of the agent mafia despite a number of modern solutions, especially mobile devices, and emphasized the role of citizens in using the department’s digital online services, which are supposed to simplify processes and reduce dependence on intermediaries. By promoting awareness and engagement, Azam believes the community can play a key role in transforming service delivery and promoting transparency. In response to a series of public inquiries and concerns raised by the agency’s scribe, Azam outlined a two-stage process for vehicle registration and transfer. Applicants can simply call the department’s helpline at 111-383-383, provide their information and schedule a visit with a mobile registration van that can arrive the same day or next day. This initiative not only caters to individual needs, but also represents a shift towards personalized public service. In addition, mobile vans are deployed at five locations throughout the week, expanding access for those who prefer to do business in person. The introduction of the Islamabad Citizen App is another milestone that allows residents to pay token tax through their smartphone, reducing congestion at physical offices. This digital approach solves the problems brought about by the high volume of vehicle registrations and makes it easier for citizens to carry out their duties from the comfort of their homes. In addition, the ETO highlighted the department’s continued commitment to enforcement, with teams actively monitoring issues such as tinted glass and decorative license plates. Fines collected from these operations contribute to the national treasury and strengthen the ministry’s role in maintaining public safety and order. The Excise and Taxation Department has seen a significant increase in vehicle registrations in recent years, with over 50,000 new vehicles being registered annually, resulting in a significant increase in total registrations to nearly 1.5 million to date. By implementing digital initiatives, the average vehicle registration processing time has been reduced from a few weeks to a few days, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of physical visits to the office. The Excise and Taxation Department is set to further digitize its operations going forward with plans for further enhancements to better serve the public. Azam urged vehicle owners to comply with regulations by removing any modifications that could lead to fines, encouraging cooperation between the department and the community. Through these initiatives, the ministry is not only transforming vehicle registration and tax payment procedures; it also sets a standard for public service that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility and accountability. As the department paves the way for a more modernized system, it encourages residents to engage with these services and experience the benefits for themselves. “Many citizens from across the country seek to register their vehicles in the federal capital as it adds significant value to their registration. However, this influx also increases the workload of our local authority. To address this, I emphasize the importance of streamlining our processes and suggest that provincial vehicle registration authorities like those in Punjab introduce similar efficiencies. This allows us to better manage demand and ensure a smoother experience for all vehicle owners while maintaining the integrity of our services,” highlighted Azam. “As part of our ongoing efforts to improve public services, I am calling on the media to help raise awareness among citizens about our latest online services. By taking full advantage of these digital platforms, residents can significantly reduce the workload in our offices and streamline their own processes. This not only promotes the public good, but also helps us to discourage unfair practices associated with intermediaries. Together, we can create a more transparent and efficient system that will benefit everyone,” concluded the head of the excise department.
