Multan exceeds annual tax target with record 104pc recovery

MULTAN: The Excise, taxation and narcotics control department, Multan division on Saturday surpassed the Punjab government’s annual tax collection target by achieving a record 104 percent recovery during the fiscal year 2025-26,collecting more than Rs.5.37 billion against the assigned target of Rs.5.15 billion.

According to the department’s annual performance report, released by Deputy Director (Administration) and spokesperson Khalid Hussain Qasuri, the achievement reflected the collective efforts of Excise and Taxation officers (ETOs), inspectors and field staff across the division’s four districts.

The report stated that the revenue drive was carried out under the guidance of Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab Umar Sher Chattha and the supervision of Director Excise and Taxation, Multan Division,Iftikhar Ahmed Bhalli.

Motor Vehicle Tax emerged as the department’s strongest-performing revenue stream, recording 123 percent recovery. Against a target of Rs2.75 billion,the department collected Rs3.38 billion.

Property Tax generated Rs.1.64 billion, achieving 83 percent of its Rs.1.97 billion target while Excise Duty exceeded expectations with 122 percent recovery, collecting Rs.150 million against a target of Rs.122.5 million.

Luxury House Tax achieved 96 percent recovery, collecting Rs71 million against a target of Rs74 million. Professional Tax generated Rs109 million, reaching 65 percent of its Rs167 million target while Highway Tax recorded Rs.54.2 million in collections, equivalent to 68 percent of the Rs.79 million target.

District-wise,Vehari and Khanewal topped the division with 107 percent recovery each, followed by Multan with 104 percent while Lodhran achieved 103 percent.

Director Excise and Taxation,Iftikhar Ahmed Bhalli attributed the milestone to the unwavering commitment of departmental officers and staff, coupled with the growing confidence of taxpayers particularly the business communityvin the Punjab government’s taxpayer-friendly policies. He said the department’s digital reforms had significantly improved transparency in tax assessment, simplified payment procedures and strengthened public trust in the taxation system. He reiterated the department’s commitment to introducing more citizen-friendly initiatives during the new fiscal year.

The director also directed all officers to uphold professionalism and to treat taxpayers politely while making it clear that strict legal action would continue against tax defaulters to curb tax evasion and improve revenue collection. He urged traders and citizens to clear their outstanding tax liabilities without delay,emphasizing that enhanced tax compliance was essential in order to provide better facilities to citizens.