Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM – P) leader Farooq Sattar has humorously proposed renaming Karachi to “Taxachi” in response to the burgeoning tax burden on the city’s residents.
A conversation on ARY News’ program “Bakhabar Savera” revealed that the government plans to impose taxes on groundwater use, compounding the city’s existing financial pressures. Given the extensive taxation, Sattar suggested Karachi might as well be renamed “Taxachi.”
Sattar expressed his views on the tax situation in Karachi, stating, “In my opinion, Karachi is perhaps the most taxed city in the world; thus, the name ‘Taxachi’ seems fitting.” He highlighted that Karachi contributes significantly to national and provincial revenues, including 4 trillion PKR to Pakistan’s overall revenue and 95% of the province’s revenue. It also contributes 60% of Islamabad’s revenue.
Criticizing the local administration’s approach, Sattar remarked, “Whether to call it insensitivity, cruelty, or shamelessness, the mayor of Karachi seems prepared to further burden the city’s residents instead of advocating for them.”
He argued that the focus should not be on taxing groundwater but on the potential structural risks of extensive groundwater extraction. He warned that deteriorating conditions could push residents towards rebellion, reminiscent of situations in regions like Azad Kashmir.
Sattar also pointed out the lack of effort to expand the tax base, noting the absence of taxes on agriculture, significant properties, and feudal estates. He questioned the fairness of the current system where the costs for groundwater extraction, borne by the poorer segments, seem unlikely to be reimbursed. However, he acknowledged a positive development: the allocation of 30 billion PKR for the K-4 water project this year, which could be completed within two years if federal support continues.
