MUSTAFA BALOCH REBUKES FAROOQ SATTAR’S CRITICISM, DEFENDS AJRAK NUMBER PLATES AS SYMBOL OF SINDH’S UNITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM

Karachi July 21:  Sindh Government Spokesperson Mustafa Abdullah Baloch Said “It is truly disappointing to see Dr. Farooq Sattar of the MQM-P attempting to politicize a policy that equally represents and benefits all citizens of Sindh.” “Ajrak is not just a design — it is a deep-rooted symbol of Sindh’s identity, unity, and centuries-old tradition. It represents peace, resilience, and the inclusive spirit of the Sindhi people. The introduction of vehicle number plates featuring the Ajrak motif is not a revenue-generating measure, but a cultural initiative coupled with much-needed reform in our vehicle registration system. Across the province — from Karachi to Sukkur, Hyderabad to Larkana — citizens take pride in Ajrak, and incorporating it into public design is a celebration of our shared heritage.”

Baloch stated that the initiative to introduce standardized number plates was long overdue. “For years, law enforcement and traffic authorities have struggled with non-uniform, easily tampered, and even fake number plates, making it difficult to trace stolen vehicles, enforce traffic violations, or maintain accurate vehicle databases. The new plates are designed with enhanced security features and are aligned with international practices.  He added, “The criticism from MQM-P is not only baseless, but politically motivated. Instead of acknowledging that Karachi — Pakistan’s largest city — will benefit significantly from a more regulated, secure vehicle registration system, MQM-P is using cultural identity as a tool to sow conflict.

Ajrak belongs to all of Sindh, and millions of people in Karachi recognize and honor it as a meaningful part of their shared heritage. From university convocations to cultural festivals, Ajrak is worn and celebrated throughout Karachi just as it is in every other region of Sindh. To frame this common cultural thread as exclusionary is not only misleading — it is deeply disrespectful to the people themselves.” The government of Sindh has ensured that the number plate initiative is implemented transparently and supported by security and technology upgrades. These new plates are tamper-proof and digitized to help curb car theft