Karachi Increases Municipal Utility Charges for Commercial Users

Karachi — Authorities in Pakistan’s largest city have raised municipal utility charges and taxes for industrial and commercial consumers from 400 rupees to 750 rupees, Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Wahab defended the hike by pointing out that during the tenure of a previous mayor from the MQM, shop owners were charged as much as 5,000 rupees.

The mayor also addressed political criticism of his administration, noting that opponents often exploit infrastructure issues for political gain. Referring to recent damage to the Hub Canal, he said that a 20-meter section had been washed away but was repaired within 48 hours.

Wahab argued that natural disasters inevitably cause structural damage, but stressed that the city government is responding promptly to minimize disruption.