RAWALPINDI: In a surprising development, the Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has imposed significant taxes on commercial and residential property owners in slums and rural areas within city limits.
This move has resulted in the declaration of these property owners as defaulters and their inclusion in the tax net.
As part of their tax collection efforts, the department has also taken action by sealing nineteen property units and shops in slums and rural areas.
This action has sparked widespread protests among the affected residents who feel unfairly targeted.
In response to the situation, citizens have organized a grand jirga, a tribal council meeting, involving neighboring slums and rural areas.
The jirga aims to decide on staging a sit-in in front of the excise department’s office to protest against the imposition of property taxes on rural union councils without the provision of basic facilities.
Furthermore, the residents will discuss the possibility of challenging the department’s notices and sealing their houses in the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court.
Besides, Rahmetabad Union Council Chairman, Taj Abbasi, argued that slum dwellers who are officially recognized as such should not be subjected to property tax assessments.
The excise department has issued property tax notices ranging from Rs. 0.5 to 1.3 million to small grocery shops, barber shops, tea stalls, and other small businesses.
Abbasi firmly expressed the refusal of residents to pay these property taxes under any circumstances.
He emphasized that the imposition of property taxes should go hand in hand with the provision of basic facilities such as water, electricity, gas, improved roads, streets, post offices, dispensaries, and schools.
However, these localities, including Rahmetabad, Jaba, Jibbi, Dhoke Munshi, Chaklala Village, Shah Faisal Colony, Dhok Hafiz, and Afzal Town, lack these fundamental amenities.
Abbasi also highlighted that the excise department had issued similar property tax notices three years ago but exempted these areas from taxation following intervention by former Law Minister Raja Basharat.
On the other side, the excise and taxation department director justified the notices, citing the Land Revenue Act of 1967.
The department intends to auction off the properties of defaulters and take legal action against those who illegally unseal the properties.
Source: Tribune
