Islamabad, Mar 15 2025: The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department has initiated a large-scale crackdown on property tax defaulters and underperforming officials failing to meet revenue collection targets.
Director General Excise & Taxation, Umar Sher Chatha, has made it clear that both tax evaders and inefficient officers will face consequences as the department strengthens its tax recovery efforts.
A performance evaluation is currently underway, with officers who have not met their assigned recovery targets being identified. Those underperforming will initially be issued show-cause notices.
Crackdown on property tax defaulters, Followed by salary deductions if they fail to improve. Officials who continue to lag behind in revenue collection by year-end may face dismissal from their roles.
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With an ambitious revenue target of Rs28 billion, enforcement measures have been intensified. The ETO Operations is actively overseeing tax recovery processes to maintain efficiency and ensure transparency.
Over the past 12 days, authorities in Lahore have sealed 12,000 properties with outstanding dues totaling Rs860 million. Across Punjab, 38,000 properties with unpaid taxes amounting to Rs1.5 billion have been subjected to similar actions.
Efforts to recover tax dues have also resulted in the swift reopening of properties after payments were made. In Lahore alone, 3,600 properties have been de-sealed following the clearance of Rs110 million in dues.
While province-wide recoveries have led to the reopening of 11,000 properties, with a total tax collection of Rs830 million.
To prevent unauthorized actions, Chatha has issued a strict directive stating that no officer is permitted to de-seal any property unless the full tax amount is paid.
This measure reinforces the department’s commitment to accountability and achieving tax collection targets.
The crackdown on property tax defaulters is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the province’s financial stability and ensure fair tax contributions. Officials emphasize that timely tax payments are crucial for infrastructure development and public welfare projects.
The property sealing drive will continue until significant recoveries are made, urging taxpayers to settle dues to avoid legal action.
Punjab’s government remains committed to enforcing strict policies against tax non-compliance. Citizens are encouraged to fulfill financial responsibilities to prevent disruption to business operations.
