RAWALPINDI: Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench) Justice Jawad Hassan has issued a notice to the Punjab government after admitting for hearing a petition challenging the tax imposed on properties measuring five marla and below.
The petition, filed by Tariq Mehmood Bhatti through Advocate Nazakat Hussain, names the chief secretary Punjab, the Excise and Taxation Department, and the director Excise and Taxation Rawalpindi as respondents. During the preliminary hearing, the court questioned the petitioner’s standing to file the case. The petitioner’s counsel argued that properties of five marla and below are exempt from tax, yet a levy exceeding Rs300,000 has been imposed on a five-marla house.
The government counsel contended that the petition was not maintainable and requested its dismissal with a fine. The court, however, admitted the petition for hearing, issued notice to the Punjab government, and sought its response.
The petition, citing a decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, argues that the tax on five-marla properties is unjustified and contrary to fundamental rights and property laws. It has urged the court to order the immediate withdrawal of the tax, alleging that it was imposed hastily.
