Lahore: The Punjab government has completed preparations for a significant increase in registration fees for vehicles and motorcycles in the budget for the financial year 2025-26, over which concerns are being expressed by the public.
According to sources, the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department has sent proposals to the government regarding the increase in registration fees. The aim of these proposals is not only to increase government revenue but also to bring transparency to the registration system.
According to the documents, it has been proposed to increase the registration fee for vehicles up to 1000 cc from the current Rs 1200 to Rs 5000. Similarly, it has been recommended to increase the fee for vehicles between 1000 and 1800 cc from Rs 2000 to Rs 11000 and for vehicles above 1800 cc from Rs 3000 to Rs 22000. There is also a proposal to increase the current Rs 4,000 fee for Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV) to Rs 11,000.
Consideration is also being given to increasing the registration fee for motorcycles, but its final rate is expected to be announced at the time of the budget presentation.
There are serious concerns being expressed publicly about this potential increase. Citizens say that buying a vehicle is already difficult, and now the increase in registration fees will add more burden. People associated with the auto industry are also expressing fears that this move could negatively impact vehicle sales and manufacturing.
On the other hand, the government is of the opinion that the increase in registration fees is inevitable to establish financial discipline and eliminate fake registration. The final approval will be given in the cabinet and budget meeting.
