JARANWALA:
The district administration has unearthed a Rs 393 crore scam involving misappropriation of Real Estate Transfer Tax (TTIP) rates during registration of sale deeds.
The Municipal Corporation officials are accused of negligence and misconduct, which led to recommendations for disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Discipline and Efficiency Act, 2006.
In a letter addressed to Punjab Secretary Local Government and Community Development, Commissioner Silwat Saeed sought action against former municipal officer (Finance) Mujeeb-u-Zaman Shami and former director Zubair Watto.
A committee, including auditors from the Local Fund Audit, the Board of Revenue and the office of the Auditor General of Pakistan, has been proposed to audit TTIP rates, stamp duty, registration fees and related taxes during the last five years.
The scam was exposed following an investigation by the Director of Faisalabad Local Government on the records of sale deeds registered between July 1, 2022 and June 15, 2023.
The investigation confirmed that TTIP fees were not recovered and deposited as required, resulting in significant financial losses to the Municipal Corporation.
Sources said several Municipal Corporation staff have been suspended including Sarfraz Ahmad Razi (Tax Superintendent), Muhammad Arshad Malik (Chief Secretary, Retired), Shahid Ali (Junior Secretary), Muhammad Zahid Nasir (Junior Secretary) , Ghulam Yasin (Senior Secretary). ), Aslam Shahid (junior secretary), Amir Farooq (junior secretary) and Naseem Toor (junior secretary).
Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them.
Commissioner Silwat Saeed has directed all deputy commissioners and revenue officers of Faisalabad Division, including Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Chiniot, to ensure timely collection of taxes and fees under the Local Government Act.
The commissioner warned that non-compliance would lead to strict action against the responsible officials.
He said efforts are being made to ensure transparency and accountability in tax collection.
