The government of Punjab has introduced QR code technology to its property tax system, a move designed to eliminate fraudulent tax challans and improve transparency in the revenue collection process. According to Umar Sher Chatha, Director General of Excise, the updated system went into effect on July 15, starting with the distribution of 2.5 million QR-coded property tax notices across all districts and regions of Punjab.
Each property tax notice now features a unique QR code, which inspectors are required to scan upon delivery. This action instantly updates an automated digital database, ensuring that the issuance and acknowledgment of tax notices are recorded in real time. This new mechanism is expected to help combat long-standing issues of fake or duplicate challans that have disrupted the credibility and efficiency of the tax system.
DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha stated that by introducing this measure, the department aims to increase transparency, eliminate misuse, and simplify property recordkeeping. The QR-coded notices will serve as verifiable and tamper-proof documents, reducing the margin for human error and manipulation at various levels of the delivery process.
The new approach is also anticipated to significantly expand the property tax net by bringing millions of unregistered properties into the system. A key feature of this initiative is its integration with Geographic Information System (GIS)-based data collection. Through this technology, detailed and accurate mapping of properties at both the city and district levels can now be maintained, supporting more precise taxation and planning.
Officials believe that the digitized QR code mechanism, paired with GIS records, will enable better identification and tracking of tax defaulters. This may result in increased government revenue, with projections estimating an additional Rs 7 to 10 billion in tax recovery. The streamlined process is not only expected to bolster institutional capacity but also help restore public trust in the fairness and accountability of the property tax system.
For citizens, the new property tax notices come with added convenience. Property owners can now complete their tax assessments and submit PT 10 forms online, improving access to government services and reducing dependency on manual submissions. The digital transition supports Punjab’s broader goal of creating a citizen-friendly and efficient public finance system that leverages technology to address inefficiencies and prevent revenue leakage.
The Excise Department’s QR code initiative reflects the increasing adoption of digital governance models across various public sectors in Pakistan. With these reforms in place, both citizens and institutions stand to benefit from more transparent, data-driven service delivery and a more reliable tax framework.
