Sindh, World Bank Discuss Property Tax Digitalization to Boost Revenue and Transparency

Karachi : Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah held an important meeting with a high-level delegation of the World Bank regarding the Sindh Property Tax Modernization and Enhancement initiative.

In which a comprehensive strategy was discussed to modernize the property tax system in the province, expand its scope and significantly increase revenue, the meeting included detailed discussions on the current status of property tax in the province, challenges faced, digitalization, data integration and improvement of institutional capacity, according to the spokesperson the delegation was led by Senior Urban Specialist Division McKenna while Secretary Local Government, PD CLICK, PD UIP, PD SWEEP, Managing Director Solid Waste Management and other senior officials also attended the meeting, it was agreed that the property tax system will be fully digitized, a modern survey of properties will be conducted and a comprehensive database will be developed, and the tax net will be expanded to register maximum properties in order to ensure sustainable growth in revenue, it was also decided that the scope of property tax will be gradually extended to all district headquarters across the province while policy measures will be taken to implement a uniform system in urban and semi-urban areas, the meeting also reviewed in detail the system of immovable property transfer tax and emphasized making the process simple, transparent and online to reduce chances of corruption and facilitate the public.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that Town Municipal Corporation Chanesar has achieved the distinction of collecting the highest property tax which is an example for other towns, he announced that best performing towns will be provided additional development funds and incentives to promote positive competition among institutions, he said that officers and institutions showing high performance and significant increase in revenue deserve rewards and encouragement, he further stated that the government is committed to taking the tax collection system to the grassroots level so that financial and administrative stability can be achieved at the Union Council level and basic civic facilities can be provided to the public at their doorstep.

he said that the use of modern technology will not only enhance transparency but will also help in curbing revenue leakages, he added that the Sindh Government fully supports every project and initiative in line with the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari which contributes to public welfare and provision of facilities, adding that providing relief to the public and improving civic services is the government’s top priority, the meeting also emphasized that facilitation centers for taxpayers will be established, awareness campaigns will be launched and an effective grievance redressal system will be introduced to restore public confidence, the minister informed that the World Bank team will soon visit all district headquarters of the province where the system will be reviewed at the local level and recommendations for improvement will be formulated, through this process not only the revenue base will increase but resources for development projects will also be generated which will help provide better facilities to citizens۔

Muhammad Shabeeh Siddiqui Director Media Management Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Government of Sindh