Punjab govt imposes new garbage tax across all cities

LAHORE: A new garbage tax has been introduced across all cities in Punjab, following approval from the provincial cabinet’s standing committee on finance and development.

The Punjab government has issued a notification detailing the new tax rates, which apply to both small and large businesses, as well as residential areas, including rural and urban settings. The tax is also extended to slum dwellers.

Under the new system, rural residents will face a monthly garbage tax of Rs 200 for 5 to 10 marla houses, and Rs 400 for properties larger than one kanal.

Small businesses and shops in villages will be taxed Rs300 per month, with medium businesses and large entities such as factories and petrol pumps taxed Rs700.

In Lahore, the rates are significantly higher. Residents of 5 Marla houses will pay Rs300 per month, while those with 5 to 10 marla houses will be charged Rs500.

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Larger houses, from ten marlas to one kanal, will incur a monthly fee of Rs2,000, and properties exceeding that size will be taxed Rs5,000. Businesses in Lahore will also see higher rates, with a Rs500 tax for shops, Rs 1,000 for medium businesses, and Rs3,000 for factories and large enterprises.