October 1, 2002	Tuesday	Rajab 23, 1423

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RAWALPINDI, Sept 30: About 300 people on Monday gathered in front of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board office to protest against the increase in property tax.

The demonstrators were led by a local candidate of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), Col Ghulam Qadir (retired).

They were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the RCB officials. They criticized the oppressive and anti-public policies of the board authorities. They termed the raise in property tax as illegal and demanded that it be withdrawn.

The protesters, mainly residents of Dhoke Syedan, Allama Iqbal Colony, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Dhoke Banaras and People’s Colony, said the new taxes meant that they would have to live in their own houses as tenants. They said they were not in a position to bear the burden of increased property taxes alongwith rising utility bills.

Speaking to the people, Mr Qadir said the state was not interested in the welfare of the masses.

Later, the protesters dispersed after the officials of the civic body assured them that the matter would be resolved through talks.