Tax misappropriation scam unearthed in inquiry

JARANWALA:

The district administration has uncovered a Rs393-million scam involving the misappropriation of Transfer of Tax on Immovable Property (TTIP) fees during the registration of sale deeds.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation are accused of negligence and misconduct, prompting recommendations for disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency and Disciplinary Act 2006.

In a letter to the Secretary of Local Government and Community Development Punjab, Commissioner Silwat Saeed called for action against former Municipal Officer (Finance) Mujeeb-u-Zaman Shami and ex-Chief Officer Zubair Watto.

A committee, including auditors from Local Fund Audit, the Board of Revenue, and the Auditor General of Pakistan’s office, has been proposed to audit TTIP fees, stamp duties, registration fees, and related taxes for the past five years.

The scam was exposed following an inquiry by the Director of Local Government Faisalabad into the records of sale deeds registered between July 1, 2022, and June 15, 2023.

The probe confirmed that TTIP fees were not recovered or deposited as required, resulting in significant financial losses to the Municipal Corporation.

Sources said several Municipal Corporation staff members have been suspended, including Sarfraz Ahmad Razi (Tax Superintendent), Muhammad Arshad Malik (Head Clerk, Retired), Shahid Ali (Junior Clerk), Muhammad Zahid Nasir (Junior Clerk), Ghulam Yasin (Senior Clerk), Aslam Shahid (Junior Clerk), Amir Farooq (Junior Clerk), and Naseem Toor (Junior Clerk).

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them.

Commissioner Silwat Saeed has directed all deputy commissioners and revenue officers across Faisalabad Division—including Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, and Chiniot—to ensure timely collection of taxes and fees under the Local Government Act.

The commissioner warned that failure to comply would result in strict action against responsible officials.

She said efforts are under way to ensure transparency and accountability in tax collection.