GDA properties sealed over tax default

GUJRANWALA:

The excise and taxation department has sealed 131 commercial properties of the Gujranwala Development Authority (GDA) over default in payment of Rs190 million.

According to Excise Director Sobia Malik, the department had issued notices to the GDA for the payment of dues, but to no avail.

However, GDA Estate Officer Mirza Shah Zaman claimed that the excise and taxation department had made incorrect assessments and sealed the shops unjustly.

He said the GDA had referred the matter to senior officials.

The GDA had rented out shops and offices, generating millions in annual revenue, but had not paid taxes to the department. Over the past 10 years, Rs190 million in commercial property tax has remained unpaid.

The department informed higher authorities and proceeded to seal the commercial properties.

The director said Gujranwala ranked first in Punjab for tax recovery, motor vehicle registration and challan collection, and recovery of dues from the GDA was part of the effort.

The GDA estate officer claimed that the excise department had acted hastily. He said the GDA had been directed by court to approach the excise department for resolution of matters but had not been granted relief.