July 23, 2006	Sunday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 26, 1427

KARACHI, July 22: Some private security agencies that provide home security services and cover against car snatching have increased their monthly charges after levy of 15pc excise duty by the government.

Trakkers, one such firm that helps in recovery of snatched cars and cargo vans, has increased its monthly charges by Rs100.

The charges for small personal cars are up from Rs650 to Rs750 per month and for cargo vans and oil tankers from Rs1,000 to Rs1,100 per month.

The levy of excise duty in the budget on car tracking and burglars’ alarm companies may penalise already harassed citizens as these companies used to pass on the tax burden to their clients.

Ex-chairman of Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Jamil Yousuf felt that the levy could discourage people from getting the coverage. He urged the CBR to withdraw the excise duty on security services for personal cars.

The tax may, however, have some justification in case of system installed in commercial vans and oil tankers etc. The operators pointed out that they were already paying sales tax on the import of equipment and adding excise duty could adversely affect their business.

Meanwhile, the tax officials are confident of enforcing the levy effectively generating the targeted amount of revenue. They said that the levy would not discourage people from acquiring the services of security agencies as someone who can afford to purchase a car can very well manage to pay Rs100 extra.