Public outrage grows over dysfunction in E&T Department

Rawalpindi:Citizens are urging Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take swift action against the rampant mismanagement in the Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department, Rawalpindi, where lower staff—particularly property inspectors—are blatantly ignoring the orders of Director Imran Aslam. Frustrated by the worsening situation, residents have threatened to stage a lockdown on Murree Road in protest against the corrupt practices of E&T officials.

The public is also appealing to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to intervene, warning that the unchecked corruption and inefficiency are creating widespread unrest among taxpayers.

Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) Kulsoom Zara acknowledged the citizens’ frustration, expressing her commitment to resolving tax-related grievances. However, she admitted her efforts are undermined by the undue power wielded by clerks and property inspectors. This disconnect between her assurances and the statements of Director Imran Aslam underscores a lack of accountability within the department's leadership, which seems unable—or unwilling—to address systemic corruption effectively.

Despite being an honest officer committed to public service, Director Imran Aslam has been unable to compel his subordinate staff to follow orders. Videos obtained by The News show him repeatedly warning property inspectors to resolve public complaints and threatening them with departmental action. However, these warnings have gone unheeded, leaving citizens in dire straits and sparking daily protests outside the E&T office in Rawalpindi.

The problem is compounded by the fact that some property inspectors operating within the E&T Department are not officially appointed inspectors but clerks working on an “On-Post Substitution” (OPS) basis. These unqualified personnel have allegedly cornered regular inspectors, allowing them to extort money from the public with impunity for over three years.

Director Imran Aslam told The News, “I am fully committed to streamlining the system, but some property inspectors are blatantly disobeying my orders. I visit different areas daily to ensure staff presence, yet many inspectors are consistently absent.” He further disclosed that despite sending repeated SMS messages directing staff to address public grievances, his instructions are ignored. In a startling revelation, some senior officials in the E&T Department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, alleged that certain property inspectors are blackmailing the director using compromising video clips. These inspectors reportedly use these videos to shield themselves from disciplinary action, further entrenching the department's corruption.

The Punjab government reportedly loses billions of rupees annually in property tax revenue due to systemic corruption in the E&T Department, Rawalpindi. Instead of enforcing fair tax collection, some officials allegedly encourage tax evasion through manipulated assessments and bribes.

An entrenched network of officials and clerks reportedly demands substantial bribes in exchange for lower tax rates on commercial properties. As a result, honest taxpayers who refuse to pay bribes are penalized with inflated tax rates, while those who comply enjoy significantly reduced taxes. For example, a commercial property owner whose tax is Rs200,000 can have it reduced to Rs10,000 by paying Rs150,000 in bribes, costing the government critical revenue. Citizens believe that only decisive action at the highest level can resolve the chaos within the E&T Department and ensure fair treatment for all taxpayers.