RAWALPINDI:
The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department of Rawalpindi district has failed to meet its property tax recovery targets despite sealing a total of 381 houses and real estate units since the Eidul Fitr holidays.
The department faces a 52 percent shortfall in property tax collections, and with the final quarter of the current fiscal year (April through June) about to begin, it appears unlikely that stated goals will be met.
Director General of Excise and Taxation Umar Sher Chattha expressed his strong displeasure and ordered all officials and staff to vacate their offices and undertake field duties.
Due to severe inflation and a record decline in revenue sources, tax recovery in downtown areas and old commercial hubs (including Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Dingi Khoi, Jamia Masjid Road, Kalan Bazaar and City Saddar Road) has decreased significantly.
Property tax recovery in these areas, both commercial and domestic, is between 30 and 33 percent, while the shortfall in inner-city areas has reached up to 70 percent.
Officials face resistance from residents, and both men and women engage in arguments and even physical confrontations with recovery teams due to financial difficulties. This situation has further increased the difficulties faced by excise staff.
A large number of citizens have challenged property tax notices in court. The newly issued tax bills, based on deputy commissioner’s area rates, are 20 to 30 per cent higher than last year, while tax rates in commercial areas have decreased based on DCs’ assessments.
Residents of new housing societies in 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 income had decreased while inflation had increased by 300 percent.
