Commerce Desk
RAWALPINDI: A delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), led by President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, met Director Excise & Taxation Rawalpindi Division Nauman Khalid to discuss business community concerns over Finance Act amendments, property tax assessments and sanitation fees under the Suthra Punjab programme.
The delegation highlighted the additional financial burden on businesses amid rising energy costs, utility bills and operational expenses. It also raised concerns about possible duplication of charges, as businesses already pay various fees to WASA and the Excise & Taxation Department.
The RCCI objected to making sanitation fee payment mandatory for obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for property transfers and commercial transactions, particularly when bills have not been issued or received.
Nosherwan Khalil Khan called for transparent and equitable taxation policies, consultation with stakeholders and a review of property tax valuations to address discrepancies.
The Chamber urged authorities to calculate sanitation charges based on updated field surveys and actual service coverage, provide relief to small businesses, and establish an effective grievance mechanism with online complaint tracking, grace periods and instalment facilities.
It also sought suspension of penalties on disputed bills and reconsideration of mandatory NOC requirements, stressing that fair implementation would protect businesses and facilitate property transactions.
