KARACHI: The Sindh government is considering measures to strengthen property tax collection across the province. The initiative was discussed during a meeting with a World Bank delegation.
Sindh Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah chaired the meeting. Officials reviewed the existing property tax system and discussed ways to improve revenue collection by local councils.
Planning and Development Chairman Najam Ahmed Shah also attended the meeting. Other participants included Additional Chief Secretary Local Government and Housing Waseem Shamshad, Project Director Ayesha Hameed and Director UIPT Murtaza Agha.
Officials briefed the meeting on the current property tax collection system. They also discussed ways to improve records and collection at the local level.
The minister said property tax collection at the town level could help local councils become more financially independent. He said stronger local governments could also improve public services.
According to the minister, revenue collected from property tax would be monitored closely. The government plans to promote transparency in the use of these funds.
The collected revenue could support basic services in the areas where it is generated. These services may include streets, roads, streetlights and other local infrastructure.
The government also plans to encourage competition among towns. Towns that perform well in public service delivery could receive additional development grants.
The minister said awards would be given to the top-performing towns. The first, second and third positions would receive recognition under the proposed performance system.
Officials responsible for local services would also be assessed. The minister said better-performing officials would be encouraged. Those failing to meet performance standards could face action.
The minister also directed officials to maintain proper records of property tax collections. Accurate records will be important for monitoring revenue and ensuring transparency.
The initiative is part of the Sindh government’s wider local governance agenda. The government aims to improve service delivery at the local level and strengthen the financial capacity of town administrations.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the provincial government’s efforts to improve public services. Both sides also agreed to continue cooperation on local governance and revenue-related reforms.
