Karachi, The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation held its general council meeting on Monday, chaired by Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab and Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad. The meeting, held in the council hall, resulted in the passage of several resolutions addressing key issues affecting retired government employees and the city’s development.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the meeting began with prayers for the late leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. A significant resolution passed unanimously demanded that the caretaker provincial government immediately sanction a special financial bailout package. This package is crucial for paying pensions and other dues owed to retired employees of KMC and defunct District Municipal Corporations of Central, West, East, South, Korangi, Kemari, Malir, and the District Council Karachi. The aim is to provide immediate relief to thousands of retired government employees and their families awaiting their dues.
In a major move to improve the city’s financial health, the council approved, through a majority vote, the collection of Municipal Utility Tax via K-electric bills. This resolution is expected to streamline tax collection and aid in the city’s revenue generation.
Additionally, the council approved another resolution, also by majority vote, demanding the caretaker provincial government to immediately provide funds of three crore rupees for development works in union committees. This resolution underscores the council’s commitment to ongoing city development and infrastructure improvement.
The meeting also saw active participation from various members, including Najmi Alam of the Pakistan People’s Party, Saifuddin Advocate of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mufti Khalid of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who expressed their views on various matters.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized the council members’ role in enhancing the tax and revenue collection system of KMC, stating that the collected funds would be invested back into the city. He highlighted the council’s focus on addressing the city’s main problems in each meeting and working collaboratively for the citizens’ relief. Mayor Wahab also addressed the issue of the current budget, which was approved by the previous administrator, stating that while the council cannot re-approve the budget, concerns could be addressed through resolutions in the council.
The meeting reflects the council’s efforts to address the financial and developmental needs of Karachi and its commitment to managing the city’s affairs in accordance with the law.