RAWALPINDI:
The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Management Division in Rawalpindi, is dealing with a serious tax assortment problem, reporting a 56% shortfall in property tax, luxurious tax, {and professional} tax for 2024.
The director basic of the division has issued strict directives for officers and inspectors to attain at the least 60% of the goal by December 31. Area officers have been instructed to depart their desks and concentrate on on-ground collections.
To expedite the method, property tax workplaces will stay open on Sunday, December 29. Whereas the motor department has achieved 100% of its targets for automobile registrations and gross sales, property tax assortment stays dismal, largely as a consequence of outdated deputy commissioner (DC) property charges inflicting delays in tax invoice distribution.
In response, excise groups have intensified operations, sealing 17 defaulting properties, arresting 9 people, and recovering Rs1.6 million in overdue taxes. Midnight raids on recurring defaulters’ residences have additionally been carried out, and business property house owners have been given a two-day ultimatum to pay their dues.
Residents have voiced robust opposition to property tax calculations primarily based on DC charges. Faisal Malik Advocate and Arshad Shah criticised the observe as unjust, particularly with looming plans to align taxes with Federal Board of Income charges. Authorized challenges in opposition to these taxes at the moment are pending within the excessive courtroom.