Addressing a press conference at the head office of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the time has come to reflect and decide whether political and administrative matters should be resolved through dialogue or by going to court. The courts are already overburdened with pending cases.
He said, “We have decided that even if the opposition creates hurdles or files cases, the process of development and improvement in Karachi will not stop, because public service is true politics.”
He mentioned that opponents had taken the Municipal Utility Charges and Taxes (MUCT) issue to court and had obtained a stay order, but the Sindh High Court lifted the stay, recognizing that it is within the council’s jurisdiction to collect taxes. Tax collection through MUCT has improved their financial situation. Legally, the High Court has already given permission, and the Supreme Court has not overturned that decision.
However, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Saifuddin Sahib has once again opted for legal action instead of parliamentary process, claiming that the KMC did not take approval for the tax hike-whereas the tax increase had been approved during the budget session in his presence. “We had made the decision back in March-April, but delayed the increase upon opposition’s request until the budget. It is now part of KMC’s current fiscal budget. We will appear in court on November 3 to pursue the case,” Wahab stated.
He further said that development work across Karachi is ongoing without discrimination. “However, I am fed up with the false narratives and hypocrisy of anti-development elements. May Allah grant us the ability to cleanse this city of hypocrisy.”
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Juman Darwan, and other elected representatives were also present at the occasion.
Mayor Wahab explained that MUCT was introduced in 2008. Previously, MUCT generated Rs 155 million for KMC annually. “We reduced industrial and market taxes to Rs 400 and set the minimum tax at Rs 20, which has resulted in a significant increase in tax collection. In August alone, Rs 350 million was collected under MUCT, which is being transparently used for improving streets and other development projects.”
He questioned some traders, “Does the FBR ask you before raising taxes? Did I consult you before reducing the tax from Rs 5,000 to Rs 400?”
He added, “Every year, KMC spends Rs 2 billion on the fire brigade department. Last year alone, there were 760 fire incidents in industrial and commercial areas, 477 in homes, and 402 minor fire incidents. KMC paid an electricity bill of Rs 88 million itself which used to be paid by the Sindh Government earlier.”
“I want to present the facts to the people. We revealed that Rs.27 billion was given to nine Jamaat-e-Islami-led towns. Rs 14 billion was taken for road-cutting, yet after a year, not a single road has been repaired. Sindh Government provided Jamaat-e-Islami with Rs. 5.7 billion for 45 schemes, but no work has begun. The time has come for accountability. We will free Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, and New Karachi from their incompetence and hypocrisy. Their donations and funds must be accounted for. They must not be allowed to repeatedly play the victim card in court,” said Wahab.
He also criticized the federal government’s alleged intention to shut down the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). “Hafiz Sahib, you need to reconsider your stance on BISP. Murtaza Wahab and Salman Abdullah Murad do not run their households on BISP. For God’s sake, do not let your political grudges get in the way of helping the poor. If you target such welfare programs for political point-scoring, it is the people of Karachi who will suffer.”
Regarding development works in the city, he said, “I urge the Prime Minister to work in Karachi – we will assist you. Large-scale projects should be undertaken through KMC, and small-scale ones at the district level. We received a letter from the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) authorities, and our Chief Engineer sent a response. From 2017 to 2025 – and now they expect the Mayor of Karachi not to ask any questions?”
He continued, “Work has begun on the restoration of 106 roads in Karachi. We have set a 60-day target to improve the city’s roads. Rs. 100 million has been allocated for rebuilding Jinnah Avenue. The issue is neither authority nor resources – it’s time to give relief to the people. We want normalcy and improvement in this city.”
He concluded by expressing hope that Jamaat-e-Islami will present an account of the Rs. 5.7 billion in their press conference tomorrow.
He also congratulated Saudi Arabia on its National Day, saying: “Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan. We are grateful to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the occasion of their National Day, we have hoisted Saudi flags on our buildings.”