21 Government Departments in Rawalpindi Default on Water Bills

WASA Rawalpindi has issued notices to all these departments, urging them to settle their outstanding dues.

Rawalpindi: Several federal and Punjab government departments in Rawalpindi have defaulted on payments to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), accumulating crores of rupees in unpaid dues.

According to WASA sources, the outstanding amount exceeds Rs. 821 lakh (Rs. 82.1 million). These departments are reportedly using WASA’s water resources without settling their bills.

The sources revealed that the Department of Education owes Rs. 1.34 crore (Rs. 13.4 million), the Department of Parks and Culture owes Rs. 1.93 crore (Rs. 19.3 million), and the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) owes Rs. 3.28 crore (Rs. 32.8 million).

Other defaulters include the Police Building Department and Sports Board (Rs. 71 lakh each), the Health Department, Metro Bus Service, and Punjab Cooperative Department (each owing more than Rs. 1 crore).

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WASA sources further stated that the Housing Department, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), and PTCL have outstanding dues exceeding Rs. 3.65 crore (Rs. 36.5 million). The District Election Commission, Forest Department, WAPDA, and Income Tax Department are also listed among the defaulters.

WASA Rawalpindi has issued notices to all these departments, urging them to settle their outstanding dues.

Sindh Excise Department Moves Tax System Online

The Sindh Excise Department has announced plans to digitize its tax system and integrate it with One Link. This decision was made during a recent meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Memon, where updates on property tax and professional tax were also discussed.

During the session, Minister Sharjeel Memon emphasized the need for meeting tax collection targets promptly. He instructed stringent actions against defaulting employees and noted that notices had been issued to 82 officers for underperformance.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted advancements in the production of premium number plates. The department disclosed plans to issue 10 platinum, 11 gold, and 10 silver category numbers. Minister Sharjeel Memon underscored the importance of initiating an online payment system to simplify tax processes, stressing the swift integration with One Link for enhanced public convenience.