RAWALPINDI:
The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department of Rawalpindi district has not met its property tax recovery targets despite sealing a total of 381 houses and property units since the Eidul Fitr holiday.
The department is facing a shortfall of 52 percent in property tax collection and with the last quarter of the current financial year (April to June) about to begin, it seems unlikely to meet the set targets.
Director General of Excise and Tax Umar Sher Chattha has expressed strong displeasure and ordered all officers and staff to vacate their offices and carry out field duties.
Due to rampant inflation and a record decline in income sources, tax collection in inner-city areas and old commercial centers – including Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Dingi Khoi, Jamia Masjid Road, Kalan Bazaar and City Saddar Road – has fallen significantly.
Property tax collection in these areas, both commercial and domestic, is between 30 and 33 per cent, while the deficit in urban areas has reached 70 per cent.
Officials face resistance from residents, with both men and women engaging in arguments and even physical confrontations with recovery teams due to financial difficulties. This situation has further added to the difficulties faced by the Excise staff.
A large number of citizens have challenged property tax notices in the courts. Newly issued tax bills, based on deputy commissioner area rates, are 20 to 30 percent higher than last year, while tax rates in business areas have fallen below DC assessments.
Residents of new housing societies across Rawalpindi as well as along GT Road, Kallar Syedan Road and Daultala Main Road have also complained of receiving fake property tax bills.
Citizens Farhad Khan and Fawad Hassan Abbasi said their incomes had fallen while inflation had risen by 300 percent.
