RCCI rejects increase in property tax

RAWALPINDI (Online) - The President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Dr. Shimail Daud Arien strongly rejected the gigantic increase in property tax ratio from 900 percent to 1050 percent on a single go by the government of Punjab and said that it would badly affect the business activities.

President RCCI said that immense and sudden increase in property tax ratio from the provincial government is beyond comprehension and Rawalpindi Chamber rejects the said decision and demanded of the government to withdraw it on immediate basis. He said that business community was always cooperative with the government on core issues but government never took business community onboard in policy making process.

He said that Rawalpindi will invite Secretary Excise & Taxation Punjab in Chamber to resolve the issue with mutual consultation. He was exchanging these views with Excise & Taxation Officer Rawalpindi Muhammad Yousaf Virk at his office. Senior Vice President Malik Shahid Saleem, Vice President Muhammad Alam Chughtai and Asim Mehmood Malik were also present on the occasion.

Dr Shimail Daud said that last increase in property tax ratio was noticed in 2001 and this is the government stance behind increasing tariffs of said tax and justified it by saying that after 13 years the recent increase is logical. “If we accept government’s plea on tariffs and draw a percentage of 13 years it would cost 30 percent to 60 percent per year and government wants it in a single go which is not rational and unacceptable”, he said.

He said that business community is aware of the problems faced by the government but government must realize the suffering of the businessmen community. He added that Rawalpindi Chamber suggested the government to decrease the tax ratio and increase it in step by step process to facilitate business community. He said that a detailed meeting with secretary taxation Punjab will be held soon to address the issue.