Excise dept. fleecing people by imposing unwarranted fines

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It is common practice for tax authorities to notify taxpayers via SMS or written communication when payments are due. However, the Excise Department has failed to send such reminders to vehicle owners regarding their token dues

Islamabad, Oct 3 (APP/DNA): The Excise and Taxation Department in Islamabad has come under criticism for imposing hefty fines on vehicle owners for using private number plates or for having unpaid vehicle tokens.

Excise officials have set up multiple checkpoints across various roads in the capital, where they stop vehicles to check for non-standard number plates or pending token taxes. Motorists have complained that these fines are excessively high, with no leniency shown.

One vehicle owner shared his experience, explaining that he was stopped at a checkpoint and asked to present his vehicle registration card. Upon inspecting the card, the official immediately suspended the vehicle’s status, citing the use of a non-standard number plate. The owner explained that he had just acquired the new plate and intended to replace it later that day. Despite this, the official refused to accept his explanation.

The situation worsened when the official pointed out that the vehicle’s token was overdue. Although the outstanding token amount was only Rs 6,000, the Excise officials imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. The owner pleaded that he was willing to pay the due token amount on the spot, but the official remained adamant and did not relent.

It is common practice for tax authorities to notify taxpayers via SMS or written communication when payments are due. However, the Excise Department has failed to send such reminders to vehicle owners regarding their token dues.

Furthermore, vehicle owners have raised concerns about the quality of the number plates provided by the department. Many complain that the plates are substandard, with the numbers fading over time, forcing people to purchase replacement plates from the open market.

MEANWHILE, The excise department is providing civic facilities to residents of the Federal Capital to get their vehicle registration as well as access to various essential services at Trail 3 on Thursday under the ICT doorstep initiative.

          According to the spokesman of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the service aimed to streamline essential civic services and bring them closer to the community, and the excise team will be stationed at Trail-3 parking

lot from 3 to 5 pm.

          The excise staff will be on-site, offering a hassle-free experience for vehicle owners seeking registration, transfers, and token tax processing.

          This unprecedented initiative not only caters to vehicular paperwork but also introduces the ICT Doorstep Service. The citizens are encouraged to avail the opportunity to obtaining your Domicile Certificate, Birth Certificate, Power of Attorney, International Driving Permit, Fuel Permit (Domestic/Commercial), or Motor Vehicle Registration, all at one convenient location.

          The spokesman emphasized that the Facilitation Center’s Doorstep ICT Vehicle will be present, providing a seamless and efficient solution for various administrative needs.

          Whether you are a vehicle owner looking to sort out your paperwork or in need of essential documents, this event promises efficiency with a touch of convenience to the masses.