CCB unveils Rs4b tax-free budget

Development spending tops Rs1.03b; no increase in taxes, rates or service charges

RAWALPINDI:

The Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) approved on Tuesday a Rs4.014 billion (Rs4,014.045 million) budget for the 2026–27 financial year, with no increase in taxes, rates or service charges.

The three-member caretaker board endorsed the budget and subsequently approved in full, without any reductions, by the Director Military Lands and Cantonments, Rawalpindi Region, the competent authority. It will come into effect on July 1.

Station Commander and President of the CCB, Brigadier Syed Anjum Ali, chaired the budget meeting which was attended by Cantonment Executive Officer Arifeen Zubair Chaudhry, nominated board member Malik Azhar Naeem and other officials.

According to the approved financial plan, the board has allocated Rs1,036.345 million for development projects, original works and maintenance and repair. Expenditure on salaries and pensions has been estimated at Rs1.45b, while Rs1,176.1m has been earmarked for miscellaneous expenses.

The board expects to generate Rs950m in revenue from residential and commercial property tax during the current financial year. Officials said the board successfully achieved all revenue recovery targets set for the previous financial year, reflecting a 100% recovery rate.

The previous year's budget, amounting to Rs3,541.195m, had also been approved by the competent authority without any reductions.

Sources in CCB said the new budget prioritises the upgrading of roads, streets, sewerage infrastructure, water supply networks and street lighting across the cantonment. Particular emphasis will also be placed on improving sanitation services.

The board directed the relevant departments to intensify operations against encroachments and to take strict action against buildings constructed without approved plans or in violation of sanctioned building designs.

It was informed during the meeting that the CCB aimed to reduce non-essential expenditure, strengthen revenue recovery, broaden the tax base and reassess under-valued properties in line with prevailing market values.