PRA collects Rs214 billion tax in April

LAHORE:The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has demonstrated outstanding performance by collecting a record Rs23.7 billion during the month of April, marking a 26 percent increase compared to April last year. From July to April of the current fiscal year, PRA has collected a total of Rs214 billion in tax revenues which is 16 percent higher than the corresponding period last year.

Within this period, Rs199.6 billion has been collected specifically under Punjab Sales Tax, reflecting a 14 percent year-on-year growth. Additionally, PRA has collected Rs5.1 billion in revenue from the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (PIDC), registering a 23 percent growth, while Rs9.1 billion has been collected under the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund—showing an impressive 43 percent increase.

According to the PRA spokesperson, these gains have been achieved without introducing any new taxes or increasing tax rate slab. The strong performance is the result of strategic outreach through workshops, expansion of the tax net, and the effective use of modern IT systems. With these robust measures in place, PRA remains confident that it will meet or surpass the annual revenue target for the current fiscal year.

Directive for improving waste management, drainage systems

Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza conducted an extensive tour of Cantonment Tehsil on Monday, focusing on sanitation operations and sewerage management as part of Chief Minister's ‘Clean Lahore Mission’ programme.

During his inspection of Abdullah Gul Interchange, Barki Road, Peer Naseer Road, Ibrahim Colony, and UC-152, the DC issued directives for immediate improvement in waste management and drainage systems across the area.

Accompanied by the Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation, Assistant Commissioner Cantt, and officials from LWMC and Wasa, DC received a briefing from the Assistant Commissioner Cantt regarding ongoing anti-encroachment campaigns and cleanliness initiatives.

He emphasised the continuation of daily cleaning operations and instructed Wasa authorities to make prompt arrangements for sewerage and drain cleaning. ‘The encroachment-free and clean Lahore campaign will continue without interruption,’ stated Musa Raza, while issuing strict orders for the relocation of nomadic huts and cattle eviction from residential areas to appropriate locations.

In a significant policy enforcement move, the Deputy Commissioner warned that strict action would be taken against those burning wastes, which poses serious environmental and health hazards.

He instructed the LWMC to ensure thorough cleaning procedures throughout the district and to expand their door-to-door waste collection initiative to cover all areas under their jurisdiction. The tour highlights the administration's commitment to addressing sanitation and drainage

issues promptly, with particular focus on providing immediate solutions to sewerage and water drainage problems.