Rawalpindi Cantonment Disputes PERA’s Unauthorised Operations

Download IPFS

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has raised objections to operations conducted by the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA) and the Health Department, accusing them of overstepping jurisdiction within cantonment limits. In a formal letter to the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner, RCB Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi described these actions as interference in the Board’s administrative authority.

Rizvi expressed concern over PERA’s uncoordinated drives against encroachments and dengue control, stating they were initiated without prior consultation. The letter emphasized that activities such as removing signboards and health inspections fall under the exclusive mandate of the Cantonment Board. The RCB warned that unsanctioned operations undermine inter-agency cooperation and create institutional conflicts.

The Board asserted that any enforcement actions carried out without permission inside cantonment areas are not only illegal but also counterproductive to public service. The letter called for better coordination and respect for legal boundaries to avoid future institutional friction.

In a separate issue, the RCB has referred a bounced cheque case to the Cantonment Magistrate. A cheque worth Rs165 million, issued by the contractor of the Bhatta Ground cattle market to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as income tax, was dishonored upon deposit. The contractor, Muin & Co, had secured the market contract for Eidul al-Adha 2025 for Rs 1.657 billion through an open auction and paid the full contract value to the RCB. However, the required income tax payment failed to clear.

Following the cheque’s rejection, the RCB initiated recovery proceedings. The magistrate has issued a notice to the contractor, and legal steps are underway. If found in default, the contractor faces blacklisting under the cantonment regulations.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has demanded a five percent service tax on recently awarded parking contracts managed by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC). Contractors have been formally notified to comply or risk enforcement action.

The RMC had awarded a short-term contract for the Commercial Market parking area at Rs8.3 million, with expectations that it could increase to Rs15 million. Additional contracts include College Road, Liaquat Road, and areas outside the municipal office. Due to traffic congestion, the Imperial Market site has been dropped, and the contract is being revised.

As a result of the new terms, car parking fees are set to rise from Rs30 to Rs50, and motorcycle parking charges will increase from Rs10 to Rs20. The PRA has directed the RMC to deduct the applicable tax and ensure timely deposits to the authority.