Top bidders of choice numbers plates disqualified

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Mar, 2026) The Excise and Taxation Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken major action in the auction of premium vehicle registration numbers (special number plates), disqualifying several top bidders and ordering confiscation of their bid security deposits (CDRs).

According to the department on Wednesday, the public auction was held on February 14 at Qayyum sports Complex in Peshawar, where participants placed exceptionally high bids. However, many top bidders failed to deposit the required payment within the stipulated time, resulting in their disqualification.

As per the official notification, the first-position bidders have been declared ineligible and their security deposits have been forfeited. Authorities stated that this step was taken to ensure transparency and safeguard government revenue. The disputed numbers are now being offered to second-highest bidders at their quoted prices.

The department warned that if second-position bidders also fail to make full payment within the given deadline, similar action will be taken against them.

In such cases, the opportunity will pass to third-position bidders and if they also fail,

the numbers will be re-auctioned.

Documents reveal that several highly attractive and premium numbers faced this issue, causing temporary revenue loss

to the government.

Key examples include DAWAR-1 for which, the highest bid was PKR 175 million, now forfeited. It is being offered to the second bidder for PKR 170 million.

WAZIRISTAN-1, initially bid at PKR 40.6 million, now offered to the second bidder for PKR 40.5 million.

Similarly, premium numbers such as Bajaur-1, Mehsud-1 and Pashtun-1 have also been transferred to second bidders after the first bidders failed to meet payment obligations.

The Excise Department has instructed second-highest bidders to deposit the full amount within three working days. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of their security deposits and transfer of the numbers to the next eligible bidders.