Drone Audit Property Tax Evasion Exposed in Rawalpindi
A large-scale aerial survey has uncovered widespread Drone Audit Property Tax Evasion in Rawalpindi, prompting authorities to launch a strict crackdown on undeclared residential and commercial properties. The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department conducted the drone-based audit and discovered that nearly 400 luxury villas, plazas and commercial structures—mostly in upscale societies and high-value localities—were missing from official tax records.
Initial investigations found that several properties were intentionally kept off the tax register, allegedly with the involvement of field inspectors. Five excise inspectors have already been referred to the provincial Anti-Corruption Establishment after failing to justify why the high-value units were excluded from official documentation. Sources indicate that deliberate concealment and collusion are suspected.
The revelations come at a time when the property tax wing is already facing a 55% revenue shortfall for the first five months of the financial year. Officials say the concealed properties represent a major gap in provincial tax collection and contribute significantly to the shortfall.
In response to the findings, authorities have sealed 37 property units between December 1 and 5 and recovered approximately Rs 4.587 million from tax defaulters. Tax-warrants have also been issued against an additional 119 defaulters as part of the enforcement drive.
According to senior officials, the Drone Audit Property Tax Evasion initiative will now be expanded across more neighborhoods and housing societies. Drone mapping, digital audits and cross-verification will be used to ensure that no large property remains outside the tax net.
The crackdown marks a major shift toward transparency, accountability and technology-driven enforcement in Pakistan’s property taxation system. Authorities have warned that future audits will rely heavily on drone surveillance, making tax evasion increasingly difficult for property owners.
Shahnawaz Yaqub Bhatti
Investment Consultant and CEO at Imlaak
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