The Sindh Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that allows vehicles to be legally transferred even if the seller’s biometric verification is unavailable. This measure was introduced to address situations where the seller cannot be reached, is unavailable, or has not completed biometric verification through NADRA.
Under the SOP, the buyer must submit a written application along with proof of purchase such as the sale agreement or receipt, and publish an advertisement in a national newspaper regarding the intended transfer. The buyer must also provide their biometric verification within 15 days, and a physical inspection of the vehicle must be carried out. Additionally, the process includes an indemnity bond/affidavit, submission of original ownership documents, and issuance of two notices to the registered owner before the transfer can be completed with approval from the concerned Director.
This SOP comes amid ongoing implementation of the province’s biometric verification requirement for vehicle registration and ownership transfers, which was originally introduced to increase transparency and prevent fraud in vehicle transactions. Traditionally, both buyers and sellers were required to complete biometric authentication through NADRA during transfers, but the new procedure provides an alternative in cases where the seller’s biometrics cannot be secured.