Punjab govt denies appointing Mufti Qavi as ambassador of vanity plate scheme

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari has denied reports that controversial cleric Mufti Qavi has been appointed as ambassador of a vanity number plate scheme.

In her post on the social media website X, formerly Twitter, Bukhari denied the news of the appointment by the Punjab government. She said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice and strict action will be taken against the concerned person.

“The Punjab government has not made any such appointment. If any person in the department has done such an act without permission, action will be taken against him,” she added.

Later, the minister shared a notification which stated that an official of the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department have been suspended.

The notification said that Deputy Director Asif Ahmed posted as Director Region-C, Lahore, has been transferred and asked to report to the Administrative Department. He has been replaced by Deputy Director Qamar-ul-Hassan Sajjad.

Several media outlets notably Geo News and Daily Jang had reported that the Punjab Excise Department had announced to start a vanity number plates scheme from next week and appointed Mufti Qavi as its ambassador.

In this regard, a ceremony was held in which souvenirs were presented to Mufti Qavi. The report cited Director Excise Muhammad Asif saying that three categories ranging 5 lakhs to 1 crore rupees have been created. It said the number plate will be owned by the owner who will be able to make number plates of their own name and choice.