The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department in Rawalpindi Region has missed its property and professional tax collection targets for the fiscal year 2024-25 by a staggering 52%, collecting only 48% of the expected revenue.
However, the Motor Branch outperformed, exceeding its targets by 150% in vehicle registrations, transfer fees, and token taxes, contributing Rs680 million to the region’s total revenue.
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In response to the shortfall, the Director General of Excise has ordered the cancellation of weekly Sunday holidays for department offices. Starting this Sunday, offices will remain operational until the new fiscal year begins in an effort to recover pending taxes.
The department has also adopted controversial tactics, including revising property tax bills by altering ownership names on previously taxed properties. Advocate Najma Malik, for instance, received a fresh tax notice of Rs157,000 under her husband’s name despite having already paid Rs150,000 under her own name. She has contested the notice with proof of prior payment.
As part of its recovery drive, the department has sealed 241 properties and recovered Rs3.1 million in overdue taxes. Excise inspectors have been instructed to conduct field collections instead of working from offices.
With just 12 days left in the fiscal year, meeting the remaining targets for property, luxury, and professional taxes appears unlikely, leaving the department far from its financial goals.
