Sub say pehlay congrats!
1- I'll get my Islamabad registration today, (number plates won't be issued for a few days), my dealership guy told me its ok to get locally made number plates installed, they cost 300-400 rs and he said people usually put away the original govt issued plates for safety/resale?)
There is no issue, however they r considered "fancy plates" in traffic police language, remember they can always bug u for 400-1500 rupee as n when they want to, and u wont be able to do anything, the best thing would be to keep that number plate slip in ur car and when the new plates come, install em,
2- I have an expired license from 5+ years ago (another province), and recently applied for a new license in Pindi - only have drivers permit for now. Is it good enough to drive with the learner's permit (and my locally made number plates - now that I've got the car registered), any issues that I can get into?
It is your confidence that will play the roll, if u have 20 years driving stuff, and u r always shaky, chances r u gonna be stopped n would be harassed in nearly all check posts or random snap checks.. just don't make mistakes while driving and u wont be hurt... and even if u have driving license and u make mistakes, and i see get to see it, trust me i wont spare u
3- I've got a teensy Mehran .. what safety measure do you guys recommend? How much should it cost to get central-locking installed into this and what are some other preventive measures? I've seen some steering locking rod-like locks. Are they good enough?
Steering locks, central locks, keyless, seat belts, should cost u around not more than 5k... Though i wont recommend keyless entry.. consider this amount as part of completing the car..