Islamabad citizens demand action against corrupt officials of Excise Dept

ISLAMABAD: The corrupt officials of the Islamabad Excise and Taxation department have looted citizens by demanding enormous bribe for registration of vehicles.

According to sources, corrupt staff posted at the Excise and Taxation Office Islamabad started robbing citizens with the support of private agents. Sources further said that the officials are demanding bribe from the citizens for vehicle registration, number plate booking and vehicle fitness checking.

Different rates are fixed for issuing number plates, while the staff posted in the IT branch also receives a bribe of Rs500 from the citizens. Similarly, hefty payments are being received by raising objections for issuing new number plates.

Sources claimed the officials demanding many during checking the vehicles in different areas. If the vehicle with the transfer case is not present during the checking, two to three thousand are taken from the citizens, sources added.

A senior official of Excised and Taxation (E&T), Rawalpindi on condition of anonymity said that several officials have allegedly received a bribe to do this illegal work.

Sources said Anti-Corruption Department, Rawalpindi had started an investigation against the Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department over the registration of five non-custom paid luxurious vehicles.

While, Excise and Taxation (E&T), Rawalpindi Director Tanvir Gondal had transferred Inspector Saleem Butt involved in registration of non-custom paid vehicles from his seat.

The citizens appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, provincial IGP to order action against corrupt officials and urged Director ETO and Commissioner to review the procedures and make the process easier with better facilities.