Key Takeaways
- Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah chaired a meeting with World Bank officials.
- Property tax collection aims to make local councils financially self-reliant.
- Towns showing outstanding performance will receive special development grants.
Sindh Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has announced plans to introduce property tax in the province, aiming to enhance the financial independence of local councils.
The minister chaired a meeting with a World Bank delegation to discuss the implementation of property tax collection on immovable property and measures to strengthen local councils financially.
Planning and Development Chairman Najam Ahmed Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Local Government and Housing Waseem Shamshad, and other officials attended the meeting.
Ayesha Hameed and Murtaza Agha briefed the participants on the province’s current property tax collection system.
Shah emphasized that collecting property tax at the town level is essential for making local councils financially self-reliant, stating that this would improve public service delivery.
He assured that funds generated through property tax would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and fair use of public money, with a specific focus on improving streets, roads, streetlights, and other basic infrastructure.
The minister highlighted that towns across the province would be encouraged to compete in delivering better services to residents, with awards for the first, second, and third positions.
Shah also directed officials to maintain proper records of property tax collections to ensure accountability.
Improving service delivery at people’s doorsteps is part of the Sindh government’s local governance agenda, according to the minister.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the provincial government’s efforts to improve public services and assured continued cooperation.
