Punjab Excise & Taxation (E&T) Department has announced a decisive crackdown on property tax defaulters and officers failing to meet tax recovery targets.
In a bid to recover millions in unpaid taxes, the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has launched a province-wide crackdown on tax defaulters, sealing thousands of properties that have failed to meet their obligations.
Director General Excise & Taxation Umar Sher Chatha stressed that accountability will extend beyond tax defaulters to include tax collection officers. “Officers failing to meet their recovery targets will first receive show-cause notices. If no improvement is observed, their salaries will be deducted, and by year-end, they will be removed from their positions,” he stated.
Massive Operation Underway
Under the strict directives of Director General Excise Umar Sher Chatha, the operation has already gained momentum. Within the first two days, authorities sealed 5,300 properties across Punjab, with 2,100 properties in Lahore alone. The outstanding tax amount from these defaulters in Lahore exceeds Rs. 70 million, highlighting the scale of tax evasion in the provincial capital.
Read more: Govt assures IMF of strict penalties on real estate agents and owners for tax evasion
Officials report that Punjab’s total unpaid property taxes amount to over Rs. 160 million. The crackdown is part of a larger effort to ensure compliance and generate much-needed revenue for public services and infrastructure development.
Encouraging Compliance & Recovery Progress
The aggressive action has already started yielding results. Many property owners, realizing the seriousness of the campaign, have rushed to clear their outstanding dues.
In Lahore, 300 properties were de-sealed after defaulters paid over Rs. 10 million in dues.
Across Punjab, authorities reopened 1,600 properties following tax payments of Rs. 25 million.
To maintain momentum, the Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) across Punjab have been directed to seal at least 150 properties per day, ensuring that 80% of outstanding taxes are recovered by the end of the month.
Who is Being Targeted?
The campaign primarily focuses on:
Commercial Properties – Businesses that have failed to meet their tax obligations.
Semi-Commercial Properties – Properties that serve both residential and business purposes but have unpaid dues.
Rental Properties – Landlords who have not paid property taxes on rented units.
Government’s Firm Stance
The higherups have promised to continue the operation until a significant portion of outstanding taxes is recovered. The Punjab government is emphasizing that tax compliance is mandatory for the province’s development, as these funds contribute to essential public services, infrastructure improvements, and better governance.
The project or initiative is appearing as a serious warning to those who avoid taxes to be paid, authorities directly say to them to pay your dues or face strict action. At the same time, it provides relief to law-abiding taxpayers, ensuring a fair system where everyone contributes their share to Punjab’s progress.