Karachi: On June 13, the Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Urban Immovable Property Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024, which authorizes the provincial government to collect property tax from cantonment areas.
Under this new bill, cantonment boards will continue to collect property taxes on behalf of the Sindh government, retaining two percent of the collected amount as service charges. This arrangement was confirmed during a recent cabinet meeting, where it was decided that utilizing cantonment boards for tax collection would streamline the process and ensure efficient revenue management for the provincial government.
The bill’s passage signifies a major step towards integrating property tax collection across different jurisdictions within Sindh, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency and revenue generation. The Sindh government expects this change to improve tax compliance and reduce bureaucratic delays, ultimately benefiting the overall financial health of the province.
In other matters, the assembly did not address the issue of rising retail prices of essential medicines. This omission was due to the opposition from Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, who explained that lowering the prices would challenge pharmaceutical companies’ ability to operate in Pakistan. She highlighted that the increased costs of importing raw materials have put significant financial pressure on these companies, making it difficult to maintain lower prices without compromising their operations and sustainability.
Additionally, Sindh Law and Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar assured the assembly that the government is committed to compensating families of citizens who have been victims of street crimes in Karachi. He provided updates on recent incidents, noting that the suspect involved in the murder of engineer Itteqa Moeen had been arrested. Lanjar also mentioned the release of funds for the Safe City project in Karachi, which aims to reduce crime rates and enhance security through advanced surveillance and monitoring systems.
Furthermore, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar reported a decline in street crime rates, attributing this improvement to the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and security measures. He addressed concerns related to the safety of LPG dealers, promising compensation for the families affected by the recent LPG cylinder blast in Hyderabad. This incident has raised significant safety concerns, prompting the government to take immediate action to support the affected families and prevent future occurrences.
The Sindh Assembly’s approval of the property tax collection bill marks a crucial development in the province’s fiscal management. At the same time, the government’s commitment to addressing public safety and economic challenges underscores its dedication to improving the quality of life for Sindh’s residents.
