KARACHI, March 5: The provincial Excise and Taxation Department has stopped the collection of Motor Vehicle Tax at all its non-computerized counters set up in the National Bank branches in Karachi.

These manual counters have been wound up and the staff, including one inspector and a clerk, posted at each counter, has been directed to report back to the department, Director Excise & Taxation (Administration) Manzoor Ali Awan told PPI.

The counters included NBP Binnori Town branch, Korangi branch, Liaquatabad branch, Malir City branch and Rahimabad branch. The seven computerized counters established at NBP Awami Markaz branch, SITE branch, Kehkashan Clifton branch, PIDC House branch, Defence branch, M.A. Jinnah Road branch and Income Tax building branch, besides Motor Registration Wing, will continue to collect MVT as usual, he added.

Awan said that the step had been taken in view of the reports regarding irregularities in the accounts of MVT due to manual system. The authorities have taken serious note of such reports and the department has also issued show cause notices to its 57 officials, including Assistant Excise & Taxation Officers, on corruption charge, he said.

The officials issued notices included eight Assistant E&T officers, 22 inspectors, two senior clerks, 21 junior clerks and four constables. All of them are allegedly involved in tax leakage and other irregularities, he added.

On the directives of provincial secretary E&T Masood Rahman Masood, departmental action has been expedited against such officials of Motor Registration Wing, he said. — PPI