Housing societies in CDA's crosshairs over tax evasion

Begins surveying societies, reviewing constructions via satellite imagery

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad district administration has issued strict orders against private housing societies that violate layout plans and fail to obtain the necessary no objection certificates (NOCs). Additionally, action will be taken against housing societies that have allegedly collected billions of rupees in taxes, including Capital Value Tax, from allotters and buyers but failed to deposit these funds into the national treasury.

In a recent meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA headquarters, the decisions were made to intensify the crackdown on illegal constructions and tax evasion.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including the member planning, member estate, and other senior officers from the planning wing. The chairman was briefed on the restructuring of the Private Housing Societies Directorate and other legal violations committed by these housing societies.

It was revealed that a total of 109 private housing societies have been issued notices for violations, and the CDA has commenced action against them.

The CDA chairman instructed that the survey process for all private housing societies be expedited, and that constructions within these societies be reviewed using Google and satellite imagery. He further directed that action be taken against societies violating the layout plan, ensuring that plots allocated for public welfare are transferred to the CDA for proper management.

The chairman also ordered that details of illegal housing societies be published on the CDA website and advertised in the media to protect the public from potential losses. Additionally, he directed the deputy commissioner to take action against illegal housing societies at the circle registrar level and submit reports on actions taken against them.

Sources indicated that a financial audit, initiated by the deputy commissioner, is currently underway regarding the taxes collected by housing societies in the form of plot transfers and allotments, but not deposited in the government treasury. The CDA chairman stated that strict actions would be taken against these housing societies, and a high-level meeting will be convened soon to address these issues and ensure accountability.