Punjab Orders Probe into 4,000+ Vehicle Transfers via Fake Biometrics

The Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has ordered an inquiry against 11 serving officers and officials over the alleged transfer of more than 4,000 vehicles through fake biometric verification, according to a report in The News. The case involves suspected financial irregularities, procedural violations and the use of forged powers of attorney in vehicle ownership transfers.

The allegations surfaced from an audit inspection covering two periods in 2024: from January 1 to March 7 and from March 8 to August 20. The inquiry order, issued by Excise Secretary Masood Mukhtar, appoints Director Muhammad Asif (BS-19) to lead the investigation under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006.

Excise and Taxation Inspector Ghulam Mohyuddin of Region-C, Lahore, will act as the departmental representative and provide relevant official records. The inquiry officer has been directed to complete proceedings and submit a detailed report with recommendations within 60 days.

The inquiry will examine allegations that several Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors processed hundreds of vehicle ownership transfers without referring them to the Divisional Committee, in violation of standard operating procedures issued on March 7, 2024. Under these procedures, cases involving Alternative Dispute Resolution and designated ownership transfers required scrutiny and approval by the Divisional Committee.

The audit also identified instances where officials allegedly processed vehicle transfers using forged powers of attorney purportedly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The department has not commented on the specific allegations, but the inquiry is expected to determine the extent of procedural violations and any financial misconduct.