New task force to crack down on tax evaders, drug dealers

Sindh Excise & Taxation and Narcotics Control Minister Sharjeel Memon has ordered establishing a Rapid Response Force in the excise department for conducting operations against tax evaders and drug dealers.

During a high-level meeting of the excise & taxation and narcotics control department he chaired on Monday, Memon instructed excise officials to set up checkpoints to prevent all kinds of narcotics smuggling.

The meeting also decided finalising the SOP for the excise department auctioning off premium vehicle registration number plates and starting issuing premium number plates immediately after Eidul Azha.

Memon said that there would initially be an auction for seven premium number plates in each category. However, he pointed out, there would be a strict procedure for using these number plates, and strict action would be taken against those using fake plates.

He said that an event would be held immediately after Eid for auctioning off premium number plates, and car manufacturing companies would also be invited. Other steps will also be taken, including installing machinery, to facilitate the production of new and duplicate number plates, he added.

He instructed excise department officers to ensure the achievement of various tax targets. The meeting also decided ending the weekend leave of officers until the tax targets are met, and publishing advertisements in newspapers as part of a public awareness campaign about taxes.