RAWALPINDI:
The Rawalpindi District Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has failed to meet its property tax collection targets despite the closure of 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 to June) about to begin, it appears unlikely that the set goals will be met.
Director General Excise and Taxation Umar Sher Chattha expressed strong displeasure and ordered all officers and staff to vacate their offices and carry out field duties.
Due to high inflation and a record decline in revenue sources, tax collection in city centers and old commercial hubs – including Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Dingi Khoi, Jamia Masjid Road, Kalan Bazaar and City Saddar Road – has declined significantly.
Property tax collection in these areas, both commercial and domestic, is between 30 and 33 percent, while the deficit in the inner areas of the cities has reached up to 70 percent.
Authorities face resistance from residents, with men and women engaging in arguments, even physical confrontations, with rescue teams due to financial difficulties. This situation has further increased the difficulties faced by Excise personnel.
A large number of citizens have challenged the property tax notices in court. The new tax bills, based on the deputy commissioner’s zone rates, are 20 to 30 percent higher than last year, while tax rates in commercial zones have decreased according to DC 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 incomes had declined while inflation had increased by 300 percent.
