ETO promises to expand user-friendly services and the role of end agents – Business & Finance

ISLAMABAD: Director, Excise & Taxes, Islamabad, Bilal Azam has assured his department’s commitment to providing more transparent and user-friendly services to residents, especially in the areas of vehicle registration and token tax payment.

In an exclusive interview with APPhe stressed the importance of deploying digital solutions to improve accessibility for residents while actively working to eliminate the role of agents contributing to corrupt practices.

He acknowledged the existence of the agent mafia despite a number of modern solutions, especially mobile facilities, and underlined the role of citizens in using the department’s digital online services, which are designed to simplify processes and reduce dependence on intermediaries reduce. By promoting awareness and engagement, Azam believes the community can play a crucial role in transforming service delivery and promoting transparency.

In response to questions and public concerns from this agency’s writer, Azam outlined a two-step process for vehicle registration and transfer.

Applicants can simply call the department’s helpline at 111-383-383 to provide their details and schedule a visit from a mobile registration van, which may arrive the same day or the next day.

This initiative not only meets individual needs, but also represents a step towards personalized public services.

Additionally, mobile vans are stationed at five locations throughout the week, increasing access for those who prefer to conduct their business in person.

The introduction of Islamabad Citizen App marks another milestone, allowing residents to pay their token tax through their smartphones, thereby reducing congestion at physical offices.

This digital approach addresses the challenges posed by the large number of vehicle registrations, making it easier for citizens to meet their obligations from the comfort of their home.

Additionally, ETO highlighted the department’s continued commitment to regulatory enforcement, with teams actively monitoring things like tinted windows and fancy license plates.

The fines resulting from these operations contribute to the national treasury and strengthen the department’s role in maintaining public safety and order.

The Excise & Taxation Department has witnessed a remarkable growth in the number of vehicle registrations in recent years and over 50,000 new vehicles are registered annually, resulting in a significant increase in the total number of registrations, which stands at almost 1.5 million so far .

With the implementation of digital initiatives, the average turnaround time for license plate registration has been reduced from a few weeks to a few days, significantly reducing the number of physical visits to the office.

Looking ahead, the Excise and Taxation Department will further digitize its operations, with plans for continued improvements to better serve the public.

Azam urged vehicle owners to comply with the regulations by removing any changes that could lead to fines, thus promoting a collaborative relationship between the department and the community.

With these initiatives, the department is not only transforming vehicle registration and tax payment procedures; it also sets a standard for public service delivery that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility and accountability. As they pave the way for a more modern system, the department invites residents to engage with these services and experience the benefits firsthand.

“Many citizens from across the country are trying to register their vehicles in the federal capital as it adds significant value to their registration. However, this influx also causes an increased workload at our local office. To address this, I emphasize the importance of streamlining our processes and propose that provincial vehicle registration offices, such as those in Punjab, implement similar efficiency improvements. By doing this, we can better manage demand and ensure a smoother experience for all vehicle owners, while maintaining the integrity of our services,” Azam emphasized.

“In our continued efforts to improve public services, I urge the media to help raise awareness among citizens about our latest online services. By making optimal use of these digital platforms, residents can significantly reduce the crowds in our offices and streamline their own processes. This not only promotes public convenience but also helps us discourage unfair practices associated with intermediaries. Together we can create a more transparent and efficient system that benefits everyone,” the head of excise concluded in his closing remarks.