RAWALPINDI: In yet another burden on the inflation-hit citizens, the government has announced those who do not pay garbage tax will have to face prison.
As per details, Rawalpindi Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department saw a shortfall in the property tax in the city. Following the shortfall, the Director General of the department expressed annoyance and ordered to strictly follow the directions.
The department took action against a constable after a complaint regarding the collection of professional tax from a housing society in the garrison city.
Garbage tax from January 1st
The excise department will begin collecting garbage tax from houses and shops from January 1, 2026. Garbage tax bills will be issued to the residents and shopkeepers from January 10 to January 20.
Here’s how much tax you will pay
In urban union councils, the garbage tax will be Rs300 per house, Rs600 for double-storey houses, and Rs900 for triple-storey houses.
In rural union councils, the tax will be Rs200 per house. The excise department has complete property data for every district and tehsil, including the Rawalpindi Division, and garbage tax bills will be distributed to every house and shop. Shops located in streets and sitting areas will also be required to pay Rs300.
For residential properties, the garbage tax will range from Rs300 to Rs1,200 for three-marla, five-marla, 10-marla, and kanal houses. Commercial shops will be charged between Rs1,000 and Rs3,000, while factories and industrial units will pay between Rs2,000 and Rs5,000.
CDA Starts Issuing Fines to Curb Littering in Islamabad
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) officially begun issuing on-the-spot fines to individuals and organisations found littering or spreading garbage across Islamabad.
CDA teams issued challans in multiple sectors and areas, including E-11, I-8, I-10, G-10, F-7, G-9, F-10, F-11, G-11, F-6, G-6, Bhara Kahu, and Lehtrar Road.
A CDA official stated, “Islamabad is everyone’s city. We urge all residents to dispose of waste only in designated bins and avoid littering. Citizens are requested to immediately report any violations so that collective action can keep the capital clean and green.”
The authority warned that fines will continue to be imposed without exception, and the campaign will gradually expand to all sectors of the city.
Also read: Islamabad Extends M-Tag Service Hours to Seven Days a Week
