THIS is apropos Asif Jah’s letter ‘Property taxes’ (Sept 21).

The writer has correctly pointed out the repercussions on the sale and purchase of property because of abnormal and excessive taxation imposed on the property by the federal budget of 2016-17.

The Economic Survey, released one day before the budget, suggests that there is a shortfall of nine million houses in the country. Moreover, if this business flourishes, there are at least 20 other industries associated with this which get moving.

Therefore, property transactions have come to a standstill in the jurisdiction of all deputy commissioners or DHAs as there are hardly 10pc transfers compared to the last year’s.It is suggested that in the DCs’ jurisdiction rates may be increased up to 50pc to get the business going. The FBR should tell the quarters concerned that they would put some other taxes in the next budget of 2017.

Inayatullah Sheikh

Lahore

Published in Dawn September 25th, 2016