The Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has launched a crackdown on tax defaulters, sealing thousands of properties across the province.
According to excise authorities, 5,300 properties were sealed within the first two days on the orders of Director General Excise Umar Sher Chatha. Of these, 2,100 properties were sealed in Lahore alone, where property owners owe more than Rs. 70 million in unpaid taxes.
Officials revealed that tax defaulters across Punjab owe over Rs. 160 million. However, some property owners have started clearing their dues. In Lahore, 300 properties were de-sealed after payments exceeding Rs. 10 million, while 1,600 properties were reopened across Punjab following tax payments of Rs. 25 million.
The department has set strict recovery targets, instructing Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) across Punjab to seal at least 150 properties daily. The DG Excise stated that the goal is to recover 80% of outstanding taxes by the end of the month.
The operation targets commercial, semi-commercial, and rental properties that have defaulted on their tax payments, with authorities vowing to continue the campaign until significant recoveries are made.