RAWALPINDI: The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has reported a 57 per cent shortfall in property and professional tax collection across Rawalpindi Division during the first six months of fiscal year 2025–26 (July 1 to December 31), amid mounting economic pressures, including inflation and unemployment.
During a visit to Rawalpindi, Additional Director General Rizwan Akram Sherwani conducted an open hearing to address complaints and petitions filed by taxpayers from Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, and Chakwal. The petitions challenged property tax bills amounting to millions of rupees, with taxpayers alleging excessive and incorrect assessments.
The Additional DG approved all appeals and directed the immediate cancellation of inflated bills, ordering excise inspectors to issue revised and reduced bills strictly in line with applicable laws. Incorrect assessments were annulled, while inspectors found responsible for excessive or fictitious billing were issued strict warnings.
Authorities also initiated action against specific excise inspectors accused of sending fake property tax bills worth millions to major housing societies and later issuing reduced bills after alleged settlements.
In a separate incident, the department imposed a professional tax of Rs 1.5 million on a cricket ground owned by a private housing society near Taxila, prompting strong protests from the management.
Following continued underperformance, the director general of excise has issued show-cause notices to excise inspectors and directed them to recover tax targets within the next two months. Officials reiterated that excessive billing will not be tolerated and urged citizens to pay taxes on time, citing tax compliance as essential for public service delivery.
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