Rawalpindi Cantonment Board’s revised property tax assessments spark public anger

Rawalpindi: The assessment committee of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has begun issuing final tax assessments for residential and commercial properties after hearing objections from residents, a process that has led to strong public criticism following sharp increases in tax demands.

The revised assessments are being calculated on the basis of rental value determined according to market rates over a three-year period. The move has prompted complaints from property owners who say the new figures are far higher than what they had been paying previously.

According to the details presented during the proceedings, the committee held a meeting under the chairmanship of Zahid Bakhtawari, where residents appeared to contest the new assessments. Revenue Superintendent Umar Farooq presented the cantonment administration’s position in individual cases.

One resident, identified as Ayaz from Peshawar Road, told the committee that he had been paying Rs32,000 per year in tax for his two-kanal residential property that also includes four shops. He said he had now received a notice demanding Rs300,000 in annual tax.

During the hearing, he was informed that his earlier payments had been provisional. He was also told that he had not appeared before the committee despite notices issued to him. The committee said the fresh assessment had been made on the basis of the property’s market rental value.

Ayaz was advised that if he believed the assessment was incorrect, he could formally challenge it through the prescribed process.

Committee says assessments are being made on realistic basis

Chairman Zahid Bakhtawari said the assessments were being carried out on what he described as realistic grounds. He said relief was being extended in cases where it was justified, while taxes due to the government were also being enforced.

assessments are being conducted on realistic grounds

Bakhtawari further said that efforts were being made to maintain fairness in the process and to ensure that citizens were not subjected to injustice.

relief is provided where justified, while due government taxes are being enforced

The ongoing assessment exercise covers both residential and commercial properties in the cantonment area. The hearings are taking place after residents submitted objections to the revised valuations.

The issue has drawn public anger because of the scale of the increase in some cases, with residents raising concerns before the committee over the basis and amount of the new tax calculations. The cantonment authorities, however, have maintained that the assessments are linked to prevailing market rental values and are being reviewed case by case during the objection process.

efforts are being made to ensure fairness and prevent injustice to citizens