The Punjab government has started a strong campaign against vehicle owners who have not paid their token tax. Authorities have warned that registration of more than 500,000 vehicles will be suspended after October 31. This move is part of a wider plan to improve tax collection and promote financial discipline in the transportation sector across the province.
Token Tax as a Key Revenue Source
Punjab has over 1.4 million registered vehicles, making the token tax a major source of yearly income for the provincial treasury. The Excise and Taxation Department has already gathered Rs. 5 billion in token tax revenue during the first four months of the current financial year. Despite this, around 500,000 vehicle owners have not paid their dues on time.
Strict Measures for Non-Compliance
Director General of Excise and Taxation, Umer Sher Chattha, announced that vehicle owners who do not pay their token tax by October 31 will have their registrations suspended. He further warned that continuous defaulters could face the impounding of their vehicles during road checks. The department aims to make all citizens follow the rules without any discrimination.
Equal Enforcement for All Vehicle Owners
DG Umer Sher Chattha stated that both government and private vehicles will face equal action if they fail to meet token tax requirements. He said the department is taking firm steps to promote fairness and responsibility among vehicle owners. No vehicle will be allowed to operate without proper registration and tax payment after the given deadline.
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Encouragement to Use Official Payment Channels
The Excise Department has urged all vehicle owners to clear their dues as soon as possible through official e-pay systems or Excise offices. These platforms are safe, easy, and quick for tax payment. Officials warned that delaying payment could lead to penalties or disruption in registration, which may cause major trouble for motorists later.
Integration with Punjab Safe Cities Authority
To ensure transparent enforcement, the Excise Department is now linking the e-pay system with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA). This connection will help authorities track defaulters in real time through digital systems. The move is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing manual errors, and ensuring that tax collection becomes smoother and more transparent for everyone.
Promoting a Culture of Accountability
This crackdown marks a major step toward promoting accountability in Punjab’s transport system. By enforcing timely tax payments, the government seeks to strengthen financial discipline and support development projects. Officials hope this digital and fair approach will encourage more citizens to comply with tax laws and contribute responsibly to the province’s growth.
