The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has increased the Municipal Utility Charges and Taxes (MUCT) for industrial and commercial consumers from Rs400 to Rs750. The move has drawn strong criticism from the opposition, which called it a violation of “defined legal boundaries.”
According to details, members of the business community have complained that the MUCT being charged is nearly double the previous amount. These charges are collected from consumers within KMC’s jurisdiction through K-Electric bills.
Opposition leader and City Council member from Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Saifuddin, has issued a legal notice to K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi, demanding an immediate reversal of the MUCT hike. He argued that the increase was implemented illegally without the approval of the elected City Council.
The notice said that while the last approved rate in June 2024 was Rs400 per month, a proposed hike to Rs550 for 2025 was deferred, and no new resolution has been passed since. Yet, K-Electric has begun charging Rs750 monthly for commercial properties.
Advocate Saifuddin emphasized that K-Electric, as a collection agent for KMC, has no legal authority to alter or increase the rate. He added that this arbitrary hike not only burdens Karachi’s citizens but also undermines the authority of the elected City Council and disrespects the public mandate.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed surprise at the opposition’s “ignorance.” He clarified that the increase was approved during the City Council’s budget session and therefore does not violate any laws.
He further explained that only the slab for industrial and commercial users was revised, as these sectors are more prone to incidents like fires and rely heavily on municipal services. He urged people not to be misled by political point-scoring.
