KP Auctions Costliest Vehicle Number Plates, Raises Rs 5.81 Crore
In a landmark revenue-generating initiative, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department staged one of the most high-profile number plate auctions in Pakistan’s history. Held at Nishtar Hall on January 27, 2026, the auction generated a remarkable Rs 5.81 crore through the sale of just 11 elite “Choice Number Plates.”
What made this event extraordinary was not just the revenue, but the emotional and cultural resonance attached to the winning plates. Tribal identities, regional pride, and political symbolism drove bidding wars that pushed prices into crore territory.
Record-Breaking Bids That Made Headlines
The spotlight of the evening was firmly on identity-based plates rather than traditional single-digit vanity numbers. Several winning bids exceeded the value of the vehicles they will adorn.
Top 5 Most Expensive Plates
| Plate Name | Winning Bid (PKR) | Notable Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Wazir-1 | Rs 1.5 Crore | Highest bid overall |
| Afridi-1 | Rs 1.4 Crore | Javed Afridi (Owner of Peshawar Zalmi) |
| Khan-1 | Rs 1.11 Crore | MPA Nek Muhammad Khan |
| Peshawar-1 | Rs 1 Crore | — |
| Haripur-1 | Rs 80 Lakh | — |
These figures shattered provincial expectations. The base price for all premium plates had been set at Rs 10 lakh, yet competitive bidding elevated several into record territory.
Tribal and Cultural Identity Drive Demand
Unlike conventional auctions centered around single digits like “1” or “7,” KP’s strategy tapped into tribal lineage and regional pride.
Other notable results included:
- Yousafzai-1 – Rs 49 lakh
- Durrani-1 – Rs 16.6 lakh
- Swabi-1 – Rs 12 lakh
- Malakand-1 – Rs 12 lakh
- DI Khan-1 – Rs 11 lakh
- Gandapur-1 – Rs 10.8 lakh
In KP, tribal identity is not merely symbolic. It carries social stature, influence, and generational pride. That cultural connection transformed these plates into prestige assets.
Modern Reforms: CNIC Integration & Transparency
Provincial Minister for Excise, Syed Fakhar-e-Jahan, described the auction as part of a broader reform initiative under Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.
Key Reform Highlights
1. CNIC-Based Ownership
Plates are now linked to the owner’s CNIC instead of a specific vehicle engine number. This allows owners to transfer their elite plate to any future vehicle.
2. Revenue Without New Taxes
The initiative strengthens non-tax revenue streams without burdening ordinary citizens.
3. Transparent Bidding Process
The department emphasized eliminating middlemen and providing a clean auction environment.
Following the success at Nishtar Hall, Phase 2 is scheduled for February 14 at Qayyum Sports Complex, where 40 additional plates including Khattak, Mehsud, and Shinwari will go under the hammer.
The Political Twist
Plates titled “Imran Khan-1” and “Imran Khan-804” were initially advertised and generated intense buzz. However, they were withdrawn before the auction began.
Officials indicated these politically sensitive plates may be offered later through an e-bidding process via the Dastak App, likely to avoid controversy during the physical auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the 100 Million Number Plate in Pakistan?
Pakistan has witnessed number plates sold in the Rs 10 crore (100 million) range in private and government-organized auctions, particularly in Punjab and Sindh. Highly symbolic combinations like single-digit “1” plates have crossed that threshold in elite bidding events.
While KP’s recent auction did not cross Rs 10 crore, it marked one of the highest provincial totals for a single session.
Which Is the World’s Most Expensive Number Plate?
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The world record belongs to a plate sold in the United Arab Emirates.
The plate “1” auctioned in Abu Dhabi reportedly sold for over $14 million, making it the most expensive number plate ever recorded.
The UAE dominates global records in vanity plate auctions, where ultra-wealthy buyers view exclusive number combinations as symbols of status and influence.
What Is the Most Expensive Private Number Plate?
Globally, the most expensive private number plates are typically single-digit or highly symbolic combinations.
Examples include:
- “1” (UAE – multi-million dollar sale)
- “AA 8” (Dubai – sold for millions)
- “F1” (UK – reportedly valued at over £10 million, though exact sale prices vary)
In Pakistan, while figures are lower compared to Gulf markets, single-digit plates in Punjab and Sindh have reached multi-crore levels.
Why Are Vanity Plates So Valuable?
Number plates function as modern-day status symbols. Their value comes from:
- Scarcity
- Cultural or tribal identity
- Political significance
- Social prestige
- Investment potential
In markets like KP, identity-based plates represent more than wealth. They reflect lineage and regional pride.
Economic Significance for KP
Raising Rs 5.81 crore from just 11 plates demonstrates the power of strategic asset monetization. Instead of increasing taxes, the government leveraged prestige and identity.
If Phase 2 achieves similar enthusiasm, KP could establish a sustainable model for recurring non-tax revenue generation.
Final Analysis
The KP number plate auction was more than a revenue exercise. It was a reflection of culture, identity, and modern governance reform intersecting in a public marketplace.
With CNIC-linked portability and transparent bidding, the province has positioned itself as a serious contender in Pakistan’s premium registration market.
