The district government of Rawalpindi has imposed multiple taxes on the residents of Rawalpindi, Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan, Murree, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Rawal town, and Potohar Town. The DCO announced 25 to 27 percent tax increase in the districts residential area when selling or buying property in these areas. Moreover, a 10 percent district collector’ s rate, two percent capital value tax, one per cent municipal tax and one per cent stamp duty has also been imposed on residential properties. The tax increase will be increased with immediate effect.
In addition to the above imposed heavy taxes, the government has levied taxes on the properties that had been leased to relatives.. This has completely crippled the power of purchase of the lower strata as individuals who could buy a single three Marla house for Rs 35,000 would now have to pay RS 75,000-80,000 with all the taxes imposed now. Those who are half way through with the transaction and property registration process have been halted right in their tracks and are ordered to pay 40 to 45 percent more to buy or sell their properties.
These impositions have caused complete uproar in people. The Rawalpindi District Bar Association Secretary and another advocate claimed that the decision was illegal and unconstitutional. They said they would be challenging the decision in high court. They stated that the DCO did not seek feedback from the citizens and imposed heavy taxes without any polling or consent.
