KARACHI: The residents of Clifton and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) are gearing up to challenge a decision by the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) to levy an annual property tax.
This tax, reported to be revised for the second time within three years, is based on the new rental value provided by the Federal Board of Revenue.
The move has sparked strong reactions from residents, many of whom have witnessed property tax notices with increments of 100% or even more.
Outraged by what they perceive as unwarranted charges, residents are planning to take the matter to the judiciary.
Furthermore, numerous instances have come to light where property tax amounts have experienced upward revisions exceeding 100%, without clear justifications.
The decision by CBC to continue raising property taxes has left residents baffled and discontented, deeming the increases as unjust and uncalled for.
As the CBC failed to respond to their complaints, the Clifton Defence Community (CDC) is now set to approach the court on the matter.
CDC President Abdul Rehman expressed their stance, indicating that while the CBC claims to be following court orders in implementing the tax, their actions appear to be illegal.
According to Rehman, the annual rental value is only permitted to increase once every three years, yet the CBC is attempting a second increase within the same timeframe.
In addition, Rehman noted that the CBC’s strategy of sealing properties with overdue property tax payments, both commercial and residential, is causing distress and coercing owners to comply with the tax demands.
The CDC has resolved to unify and present a collective petition against these actions in court, aiming to prevent further unwarranted property tax increases.
Moreover, the community has also previously sought legal action on issues including water distribution, infrastructure concerns, and stormwater drain projects.
In preparation for the legal pursuit, residents planning to file the petition have been advised to bring their property tax bills and related documents to the CDC.
Moreover, detailed meetings with legal advisors have taken place to draft the petition, and a coordination committee has been established by the CDC core committee.
This committee will not only address individual cases but also reach out to both existing and new residents of Clifton and DHA to address the issue of property tax hikes.
Abdul Rehman confirmed that the necessary legal preparations, including signing the wakalatnama and power of attorneys, have been initiated, with most residents expected to sign the petition by the end of the week.
As of now, the Cantonment Board Clifton has not provided a comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) stated that they are not involved in collecting property tax and therefore could not offer substantial insight into the issue.
Source: DAWN
