Revised property taxes draw public anger

Residents report massive jumps in annual property taxes

RAWALPINDI:

The assessment committee of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has started final tax assessments for residential and commercial properties after hearing citizens' objections, with taxes calculated on rental value based on market rates over a three-year period.

The move has triggered public outcry as taxes surge sharply.

According to sources, in a meeting chaired by Committee Chairman Zahid Bakhtawari, residents appeared before the committee regarding the new assessments. Revenue Superintendent Umar Farooq presented the cantonment's stance on a case-to-case basis.

A resident from Peshawar Road, Ayaz, informed the committee that he had been paying Rs32,000 annually for his two-kanal residential property with four shops, but has now been issued a notice of Rs300,000 annual tax.

He was told that his previous payments were provisional and that he had not appeared before the committee despite notices. The new assessment was based on the property's market rental value. He was advised to formally challenge the assessment if he deemed it incorrect.

Chairman Zahid Bakhtawari stated that assessments are being conducted on realistic grounds, adding that relief is provided where justified, while due government taxes are being enforced.

He said efforts are being made to ensure fairness and prevent injustice to citizens.