KARACHI: The Sindh government has formally waived Rs6.1 million in stamp duty for a plot allocated to the Consulate General of China in Karachi’s upscale Clifton area, documents reveal.
The exemption was granted on the request of the Chinese Consul General for a piece of land leased for 99 years in Clifton Block 4, KDA Scheme No. 5, for the construction of a new consulate building.
According to official sources, the stamp duty on the transaction was calculated at Rs6.1 million. However, the Consul General of China submitted a formal request to the Sindh government seeking exemption from the applicable stamp duty charges. Following the request, the matter was placed before the Sindh cabinet, which in exercise of power conferred to it under clause (a) of section 9 of the Sindh Stamp Duty Act 1989 approved the stamp duty waiver. The Board of Revenue subsequently issued an official gazette notification granting the exemption.
The information was also shared with the Chinese Consulate General, China by Board of Revenue. The Board’s Registration Wing also directed the Sub-Registrar of Clifton to proceed with the registration of the plot without collecting the stamp duty. Sources confirmed that the Sub-Registrar’s office has initiated the paperwork to officially register the land in the name of the Chinese Consulate General.
The decision comes amid growing cooperation between Pakistan and China, and reflects continued efforts by the Sindh government to facilitate diplomatic missions in the province.
