KARACHI: “We private sector retirees are treated as children of a lesser god despite fact that we do not have deep pockets like privileged class around us. It is most appropriate to increase your tax base rather than taxing already traumatised residents like me,” Haroon Rashid Siddiqi a resident of DHA said while protesting against highhandedness of Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).  

In his letter addressed to Executive Officer Clifton Cantonment Board, Haroon Rashid referred to notification appearing in newspapers on October 20, 2022 inviting objections from DHA residents to some fictional increase in property taxes. He wrote it was tantamount to putting horse before cart as objection-seeking formula of property tax increase was not available on their notified website nor was it seen on notice board of CBC office.

In fact, tax assessment branch in their office had also conceded verbally that proposed assessment formula was yet to be finalised. “Despite having reservations about quantum of taxes being charged from residents, at present, in absence of any reasonable civic facilities and being totally unaware of equity and fairness of your undisclosed increase I have objections to make,” he stated.  

“I have already paid all my taxes up to June 30, 2023 on September 5, 2022. Even if an increase is envisaged it should be applicable to tax year 2023-2024. My house is self-occupied but I did not retire as a government servant which includes large cohort of residents who are totally exempt from burden of property tax.

Cantonment Act 1924 is an anachronistic law and needs to be revisited and updated by inculcating a sense of participation among stakeholders across board. I will be in a much better position to forward my considered opinion and objections once you have worked out methodology of your apparently unprecedented revenue generation,” complainant added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 05 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.