Excise fails to meet tax targets

Despite the imposition of a "tax emergency" and the cancellation of all employee leaves, the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has failed to meet its tax targets across the Rawalpindi region.

The department recorded a shortfall of 51 per cent in property tax, luxury tax, and professional tax collections with just four days remaining in the closure of fiscal year 2024-25 on June 30.

In contrast, the department's motor branch not only achieved its revenue targets but exceeded them, reporting an increase of 30 per cent to 38 per cent in revenue.

Due to the significant shortfall, the director general has issued show-cause notices to in-charge tax officers (ITOs) across seven zones and warned of strict departmental action if targets are not met.

For over a month, all weekend holidays have been cancelled for staff. Strict directives have been issued to all excise and taxation officers (ETOs) and inspectors to meet their targets by June 30.