JI Petitions SHC Against Mayor Karachi Tax Dispute

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has filed a petition at the Sindh High Court (SHC) against Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab for reportedly breaching a court order related to the collection of municipal taxes through electricity bills. The petition accuses Mayor Wahab of not upholding the terms stated in an affidavit he had previously submitted.

According to the petition, Mayor Wahab had given assurances that no extra deductions would be imposed by K-Electric, except for service charges, and that individuals consuming less than 300 units of electricity would be exempt from taxes. However, a disagreement emerged during a committee meeting where the mayor allegedly hurriedly passed a resolution on municipal taxes without following proper voting procedures.

The petition alleges that Mayor Wahab's actions are contradictory to the commitments made in the affidavit, leading to accusations of contempt of court. It requests a suspension of the agreement between the mayor and K-Electric concerning tax collection until the issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, residents in Karachi are experiencing a rise in electricity rates following a provisional fuel cost adjustment announced by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). This adjustment aims to align electricity charges with actual fuel expenses and ensure transparency in billing. Customers may anticipate a reduction in their bills when global fuel prices decrease.

The legal action taken by JI against Mayor Karachi and the ongoing developments in electricity rates in the city highlight the importance of transparency and adherence to legal procedures in governance. It is crucial for authorities to uphold their commitments and ensure fair practices for the benefit of all residents.