Latest News

SHC restricts collection of KMC taxes with electricity bills for now

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

SHC remarks applying municipal charges via KE is inappropriate.
Says it will restore tax collection if city administration satisfies it.
Restricts KMC from collecting taxes under KE bills till next hearing.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday temporarily restricted the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) from collecting municipal taxes with electricity bills.

The court remarked that the tax collection will be restored when the city administration satisfies it over the matter.

The directive came during the hearing of a plea filed on September 23, by Jamat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, against KMC’s tax collection in K-Electric bills.

Under the Sindh Local Government Act 2021, the provincial government had in April directed the power utility to collect municipal utility charges and taxes (MUTC).

As per an agreement signed between the KMC and K-Electric (KE), the former aims to earn an estimated Rs3 billion yearly by collecting MUCT, through KE’s power bills.

Under the agreement, the power utility would keep 7% of the amount as its collection charges, which amounts to Rs300 million.

An official of the KMC said the KE would collect the tax from 24 million units across the city.

Today’s hearing

During today’s hearing, Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab informed the court that the KMC taxes range from Rs50 to Rs200, requesting the court not to restrict the tax collection now. He assured the court of presenting all the details at the next hearing.

“Taxes as high as Rs5,000 have been waived and reduced to Rs200,” he said.

At this, the court told Wahab to make recoveries through third parties.

“Make the recoveries however you want but not through KE,” it remarked.

The court also restricted KE not to cut off power connections of consumers who are unable to pay the taxes.

“Earlier, the taxes were going to someone else’s pockets but now KMC will receive it,” Wahab contended.

When asked about what facilities the city administration would give to the citizens in exchange of taxes, Wahab said that the taxes will be used in construction of roads, underpasses and bridges.

“Will you do all [your] work with people’s money?” the court inquired.

“The Centre is giving a lot of money to the province. Karachi is provided with funds like alms (bheek),” Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi.

He rebuked Wahab referring to the dilapidation of roads and other infrastructural faults and increasing robberies in the city.

At this, Wahab said that KMC has the responsibility of 209 roads.

“If you are doing all of the work then what is the Sindh government doing?” the justice asked.

He objected to why “double charges” are imposed on the people when they are already paying property and motor vehicle taxes.

“Applying municipal charges through KE is not appropriate,” the court remarked while restricting KMC from collecting the municipal taxes with electricity bills till the next hearing.

Entertainment

UAE grants Aiman Khan a Golden Visa

Published

2 hours ago

Farwa

The actress Aiman Khan has notified her fans and followers that the United Arab Emirates has granted her a Golden Visa.

Renowned for her dramatic roles in plays like “Ghar Titli Ka Par,” “Meri Beti,” and “Ishq Tamasha,” Aiman Khan has been spotted putting more emphasis on her personal life with her spouse, fellow actress Muneeb Butt, and moving away from the entertainment industry recently.

Instagram users saw Aiman Khan post a photo of herself receiving the Golden Visa from UAE officials.

The actress was shown gratitude in the caption for the extraordinary hospitality and kind welcome she received from the Dubai government.

Aiman Khan is shown in the accompanying photo, probably when applying for a visa, looking smart in black among representatives from the United Arab Emirates.

Fascinatingly, Aiman Khan’s spouse, Muneeb Butt, previously uploaded a comparable Instagram picture revealing his triumphant Golden Visa acquisition.

Often taking his wife, Aiman Khan, along, Muneeb Butt travels to Dubai for business and pleasure. Even after their daughter Amal was born, the well-known couple continued to observe this habit.

Furthermore, Miral, their second daughter, made her first vacation outside of Pakistan when they recently took her to Dubai.

“Dubai holds a special place in my heart, from memorable vacations to productive work trips,” Muneeb Butt complimented in the description.

Education

Youth from North Waziristan are given an educational and recreational tour by the Pakistan Army.

Published

2 hours ago

Farwa

Youth from North Waziristan set off on a three-day enjoyable and enlightening excursion as part of the Pakistan Army’s “Ilm Tolo Da Para” project.

The young participants in the trip had a great time touring some of Islamabad’s most notable sites, such as the magnificent Faisal Mosque, Ayub Park, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Pakistan Monument Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and the picturesque Lake View Park.

The Imam led an insightful workshop for the students at Faisal Mosque, exploring the mosque’s significance and its place in the history of the country.

The youth’s awareness of their country’s legacy was strengthened by their visits to the People’s Heritage and Pakistan Monument, which provided them with valuable insights into the sacrifices made during Pakistan’s founding.

As the eager young people engaged in exhilarating rides, games, and other leisure pursuits, Ayub National Park transformed into a playground where they made enduring memories.

The youth gave the Pakistan Army their sincere gratitude for organising this beneficial event that combined learning with leisure.

Latest News

Leading the Green Pakistan Initiative in Malam Jabba is the Pakistan Army.

Published

2 hours ago

Farwa

Around 20,000 trees have been actively planted at Malam Jabba by the Pakistan Army, which is spearheading the Green Pakistan initiative. Preserving the region’s natural beauty while increasing tourism is the goal of this coordinated endeavour.

The current initiative in Malam Jabba is being led by the Pakistan Army and is supported by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department, district administration, local communities, and students.

In March and April, the Pakistan Army’s Green Pakistan initiative saw massive tree planting in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Dir, and Chitral. The Army’s initiative in environmental preservation has garnered a great deal of public admiration.

This practical strategy will help Malam Jabba become a tourism destination and foster an environmentally conscious society, positioning it as a beacon of natural beauty.