Overseas Pakistanis Can Now Complete Vehicle Biometric Verification from Home: Umar Sher Chatha

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: In a major step toward digital governance and public facilitation, the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab has launched the PAK-ID App for biometric verification of vehicles, enabling Pakistani vehicle owners worldwide to complete ownership verification from home.
The initiative has been developed in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). The digital solution allows vehicle owners—both within Pakistan and overseas—to verify ownership for vehicle registration and transfer in Punjab through a fully online system.
With the introduction of the PAK-ID App, overseas Pakistanis will no longer need to visit Pakistani embassies, submit attested affidavits, or execute power of attorney for ownership verification. Instead, vehicle owners can complete biometric verification and Face ID authentication through a mobile application from the comfort of their homes. The Face ID feature is particularly beneficial for senior citizens whose thumb impressions may have faded over time.
The app was formally inaugurated at the Directorate Office of the Excise & Taxation Department by Director General Excise & Taxation Umar Sher Chatha, in the presence of senior representatives from NADRA and PITB.
Addressing the ceremony, the DG Excise said the department had been facing daily challenges in biometric verification, often resulting in delays in vehicle transfer processes. He noted that overseas Pakistanis were particularly burdened by lengthy procedures involving affidavits, verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and attestations by Pakistani embassies. The involvement of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms had also added to procedural complexities.
He emphasized that with the launch of the PAK-ID App, manual, alternate, and embassy-based verification procedures have been completely abolished. The digital transformation, he said, significantly reduces human intervention, streamlines workflows, and enhances transparency and efficiency.
Terming it a public-friendly reform, the DG stated that citizens living in remote areas as well as abroad will no longer need to visit Excise offices or rely on agents. Vehicle ownership transfers can now be completed remotely through biometric and Face ID verification.
He further highlighted that transfer fee payments are already being processed 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.
Speaking to the media, Umar Sher Chatha said that in collaboration with NADRA, online verification of vehicle owners across all four provinces will pave the way for integration of provincial vehicle data at the national level. He added that the department is working to link all relevant data systems with NADRA to further strengthen digital verification and governance frameworks.
On the occasion, NADRA’s Chief Project Officer Rehman Qamar described the PAK-ID App as a secure and reliable digital platform built on advanced biometric technology. He said the initiative would enhance transparency, strengthen public trust, and improve overall service delivery.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment to reform, the DG Excise said the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab will continue introducing citizen-centric initiatives to promote digital transformation and improve public service delivery. The ceremony concluded with the exchange of honorary shields between the Director General Excise & Taxation and NADRA’s Chief Project Officer.