The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its tax recovery drive by seizing the Bahria Town Tower in Karachi as part of efforts to recover outstanding dues amounting to Rs26 billion. The development marks one of the most significant enforcement actions taken by the tax authority against a major real estate entity in recent years.
According to an official public notice issued by the FBR, the action is linked to long-pending tax liabilities owed by Bahria Town. The regulator stated that the move reflects its commitment to ensuring compliance with tax laws and recovering government revenue through legal and institutional mechanisms.
The seizure was carried out on October 7, when FBR teams conducted raids at the property and formally took custody of relevant records. Following the operation, the Bahria Town Tower was placed under seizure as part of the recovery proceedings.
Officials confirmed that the seized assets within the tower include a substantial number of commercial and residential units. These comprise 145 residential apartments, 42 office units, and 103 shops located within the high-rise building. The scale of the seizure highlights the magnitude of the tax recovery case and the value of assets involved.
The FBR’s public notice serves as an official declaration of the enforcement action and a warning to stakeholders, tenants, and potential buyers regarding the legal status of the property. Tax authorities typically issue such notices to prevent the transfer, sale, or disposal of seized assets during ongoing recovery proceedings.
Sources within the tax department indicated that the recovery process had reached an advanced stage after repeated efforts to secure payment through notices and legal channels failed to yield results. The seizure of immovable property is considered a last-resort measure under tax laws, used when outstanding dues remain unpaid despite multiple reminders.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Bahria Town’s prominent position in Pakistan’s real estate sector and the sheer size of the claimed tax liability. Analysts note that such actions signal a tougher stance by the FBR toward large corporate entities and developers with unresolved tax disputes.
In recent months, the tax authority has emphasized broadening the tax base and improving enforcement as part of wider fiscal reforms. High-profile recoveries are seen as a way to enhance credibility and demonstrate that tax laws apply equally to all, regardless of scale or influence.
While Bahria Town has not yet issued a detailed public response regarding the seizure, legal experts expect the matter to proceed through established appellate and recovery mechanisms. The outcome will likely depend on court proceedings, negotiations, or settlement options available under the law.
The seizure of Bahria Town Tower Karachi underscores the FBR’s growing focus on recovering large tax arrears and sending a clear message about compliance. As the case unfolds, it is expected to remain under close watch from the business community, investors, and policymakers alike.
