Peshawar: The Excise and Tax Department, Peshawar Region, has launched an operation in Karkhano market against property tax defaulters, reported a news source. The operation comes in-line with the Peshawar High Court’s order to collect property taxes from the market’s shop owners.
In its verdict, the court had declared the Karkhano Market area to be located within the property tax zone. As per reports, the owners of commercial plaza and shops in this location have not paid their property taxes for the last 16 years – a figure amounting to PKR 250 million.
During the crackdown, the Excise officers sealed two plazas and several dozens shops. According to Excise Secretary Riaz Khan Mehsood, the operation is meant to recover the property taxes due.
The excise secretary has made it clear that no one will get any exemption in property taxes. The sealed units will be opened only after the owner clears their pending dues, said Mehsood. He also affirmed that the Excise and Taxation Department will collect the taxes due from all sectors.
According to Excise and Taxation Director General Atif-ur-Rehman, measures are being taken to increase property tax revenue. In this regard, a survey will be conducted soon to bring new commercial properties into the tax net.
