KARACHI:
People buying sacrificial animals for Eidul Azha are facing a new ordeal as the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has started collecting ‘municipal service tax’ at the exit points of the cattle market, allegedly through coercive means.
According to reports, KMC staff have set up checkpoints at the exits of various livestock markets and are not allowing vehicles carrying sacrificial animals to exit unless the tax is paid. Buyers have to pay Rs 300 for small animals and Rs 600 for large animals.
A senior KMC official, requesting anonymity, termed the move as unjustified, saying the civic body was already collecting municipal cess and cess (MUCT) through electricity bills on a monthly basis. “When a tax is already collected, there is no justification for charging it again,” the official said, questioning the legality of the practice.
He further pointed out that the KMC is not responsible for cleanliness operations in the metropolis as these fall under the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, while the MUCT is meant for infrastructure development and maintenance. “The veterinary service does not ensure the cleanliness of livestock markets and does not vaccinate animals. It is not clear for which service this tax is charged,” he added.
However, a KMC spokesperson defended the move, saying the municipal service tax was duly approved by the KMC council and is collected only in markets established by the corporation.
Contrary to this claim, an investigation by The Express PK Press Club revealed that the tax is also collected at the Northern Bypass cattle market, which does not fall under the jurisdiction of KMC.
Several people complained of being forced to pay the tax. Faizan Khan said he was arrested by KMC officials after purchasing a cow from the Northern Bypass market. “We were issued a receipt for 600 rupees and told we cannot proceed unless we pay. We already pay municipal taxes on our electricity bills – this is nothing short of extortion,” he said.
Similar complaints were reported by Kashan Tariq of Bhains Colony and Muhammad Mazhar at Kamran Chowrangi Cattle Market, who were charged Rs 600 and Rs 300 respectively.
Kashan said no such tax had been imposed in previous years. “As soon as the moon of Zil Hajj was sighted, KMC officials took positions at the market exits and started collecting tax from every buyer,” he said.
People have urged authorities to take notice and clarify the legal status of the tax, which many have called an excessive financial burden in the run-up to Eid.
