Challan notices of exorbitant amounts in property taxes were served to residents of 5-marla plot owners in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI: I want to draw the attention of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to the unjustified challan notices of exorbitant amounts in property taxes served to the residents of five marla plot owners in Rawalpindi by the Excise and Taxation Department.
Meanwhile, government officials living in homes of similar size are granted exemption from all such property taxes. Suspiciously, there is no signature or office stamp of the officer concerned. Some notices also list incorrect property measurements. Other important information, such as complete names and addresses of property owners is missing.
I request the chief minister to kindly take stern action against the officials concerned in order to set right the role of the government department. It is also requested that strict directives are issued to all concerned heads of departments to record accurate measurements of all properties. In the future, all challan notices for property taxes should be duly signed by the Excise and Taxation Department officers, with official stamps, and dispatched to property owners only via registered mail. Currently, the system harasses low-income citizens in Rawalpindi, adding to their stresses. This calls for attention as the integrity of the government of Punjab is on the line.
Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Adowaliya
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2016.
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