Property registries halt as DC rates surge

New financial year begins without tax notification

RAWALPINDI:

Despite the start of the new fiscal year 2026–27, the Punjab government and Revenue Department have not yet issued a notification for new taxes and fees on commercial, residential, agricultural, intra-family and gift property registries.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner has sharply increased property valuation rates across urban, rural and upscale areas of Rawalpindi by 15% to 500%.

The sudden increase has brought the entire property registration system to a standstill, with no registry processed in the past four days.

Around 2,260 cases remain pending in the district registrar and seven tehsil offices, while thousands of files submitted before 30 June—along with paid taxes and fees—are also awaiting clearance.

Authorities have confirmed that new tax rates will now apply to all pending cases, requiring buyers to pay additional duties.

The absence of an official notification has also disabled the online registration system and halted issuance of stamp papers from 1 to 3 July.

Officials said the revised DC rate circular has not yet reached district offices, and no new registry will be processed until it is issued. The system is expected to resume after Monday, 6 July.

Stakeholders from property associations say the situation has disrupted business and legal proceedings, with a court petition challenging the sharp increase also underway.