Excise Department Seals LDA Project Over Property Tax Dispute
In a recent development, the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department sealed the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) landmark project, the Global Village, due to non-payment of property tax. This action was taken swiftly after the LDA had earlier sealed the regional office of the Excise Department in Faisal Town as part of a crackdown on commercial fee defaulters.
Background and Details
The conflict began when the LDA, in its drive against commercial fee defaulters, sealed multiple properties, including the Excise Department’s office. In response, the Excise Department sealed the Global Village, previously known as Arena, which belongs to the LDA. The LDA later intervened and paid Rs2.5 million in property taxes to get the building de-sealed.
Statements from Officials
Excise Director General Faisal Fareed mentioned that he was unaware of the operations by his department and suggested that the sealing of Arena might have been carried out by lower staff. He also highlighted that many private residential buildings are used by government departments, which is not uncommon in Lahore.
On the other hand, LDA Director General Tahir Farooq confirmed the payment of the due taxes and assured that recovery from the property owners, who had rented the property to the Excise Department, would be pursued (The News).
This incident underscores the ongoing issues between different government departments regarding property tax compliance and enforcement. It also highlights the need for better coordination and communication to avoid such conflicts in the future.
