Thousands of Vehicles Allegedly Transferred in Punjab Using Fake Biometrics

The Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has launched an investigation into 11 serving officers and officials accused of transferring over 4,000 vehicles using falsified biometric verification, according to a report by The News. The inquiry arises from an audit conducted in two periods during 2024, specifically from January 1 to March 7 and March 8 to August 20.

The Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006, mandates that Director Muhammad Asif (BS-19) lead the investigation. Inspector Ghulam Mohyuddin of Region-C, Lahore, will act as the department's representative, compiling relevant documentation. The investigation must be completed within 60 days and a comprehensive report submitted, outlining recommendations.

The allegations center around several Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors bypassing the Divisional Committee when handling hundreds of vehicle ownership transfers. Standard operating procedures, imposed on March 7, 2024, stipulate that such cases, involving Alternative Dispute Resolution and designated ownership transfers, need scrutiny and approval from the Divisional Committee.

The audit further uncovered instances where officials allegedly utilized forged powers of attorney purportedly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.