ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Wednesday expressed concerns over property-related taxes being imposed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), as Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the levies on real estate should be withdrawn.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, which met with Member National Assembly (MNA) Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz in the chair, discussed CDA’s taxes among other issues.

The committee chairman noted a disconnect between the prime minister’s federal tax relief announcements and the civic agency’s continued imposition of high property taxes, which had caused public frustration.

To align CDA’s policy with federal directives, the committee chairman instructed that a joint presentation be organised involving the three Islamabad MNAs including, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Anjum Aqeel, to explore sustainable and citizen-friendly revenue models.

NA body voices concerns over incomplete road works under rural uplift programme

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that no property tax was introduced in the federal budget and suggested that CDA’s levies on real estate should be withdrawn.

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry agreed to convene a dedicated meeting on this issue coming Friday. The CDA chairman explained that the authority handled core municipal responsibilities such as lighting, sewage, beautification and metro subsidies without receiving direct NFC allocations.

Therefore, a broader dialogue on balancing financial sustainability with citizen affordability and federal support is essential, he said.

It is relevant to note that on July 1, CDA also notified a transfer fee with a 200 per cent increase.

Citizens are now required to pay 3pc of the value of their property. In the last fiscal year, the transfer fee was 1pc of the property value.

During the course of the meeting, concerns were also raised about incomplete roadworks under the rural uplift programme. The committee members said despite prior budget allocations, several roads remained unfinished, suffering further damage during the monsoon season.

The committee chairman expressed frustration over the delays and instructed the civic body to expedite fund disbursement and ensure timely project completion.

Meanwhile, the committee instructed the civic agency chief to submit a detailed report at the next meeting about various CDA projects over the last five years.

Regarding Park Enclave Phase-II, Block-A, Islamabad, Talal Chaudhry assured the committee that he would convene a separate meeting with Dr Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto and CDA officials to explore relief measures and resolve the matter.

Earlier, the committee reconsidered the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and recommended its passage by the National Assembly.

Similarly, the committee reviewed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 498AA), moved by MNA Sofia Saeed Shah. After discussion, it was decided that the mover should consult with the Ministry of Law and Justice before the bill is taken up again in the next meeting.

Three other bills—namely, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Schedule-II), the Corrosive Substances Assault (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2024, and the Islamabad Capital Territory Dowry Restraint Bill, 2025—were deferred due to the mover, Sharmila Faruqui Hashaam, being abroad.

On the Capital Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the committee constituted a sub-committee for further examination and recommendations.

The committee was also briefed by the RPO, Dera Ghazi Khan, on FIR No 117/2024 registered against MNA Jamshaid Ahmed which is currently sub judice before the Lahore High Court.

Mr Ahmed claimed that the charges were politically motivated and unjust. While reaffirming that the committee cannot interfere in ongoing court proceedings, the chairman emphasised its duty to uphold transparency and justice. He urged departments to avoid political bias and ensure fair handling of such cases, with which the committee agreed.

Lastly, the committee directed the director general of the Pakistan Coast Guard to arrange a meeting with MNA Syed Rafiullah to discuss the issue of unauthorised construction of over 100 wedding halls in Malir, Karachi, and report findings to the committee.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2025