Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has finalized preparations to introduce a new tax on hotels, guest houses, marriage halls, Airbnb properties and other hospitality-related businesses across the city.
Under the proposed measure, KMC plans to impose a 1 percent tax on bills generated by hotels, guest houses, lodges, marriage halls, marquees, marriage lawns, banquet halls and Airbnb accommodations. The levy has been proposed under a new category titled “Entertainment Tax – City Tourism and Hospitality.”
According to KMC officials, the proposed tax is aimed at strengthening the financial position of the city’s tourism department and improving tourism and hospitality-related services in Karachi. The civic body maintains that revenue collected through the levy will help support municipal efforts linked to city tourism, hospitality management and related public services.
Municipal Commissioner Abrar Ahmed Jaffar has invited public objections and recommendations on the proposal. A hearing has been scheduled for June 10 at the KMC head office, where citizens, business representatives and other stakeholders will be able to submit their views on the proposed tax.
Officials said the new levy and its related bylaws are expected to be included in the upcoming municipal budget for approval. The proposal has been moved under the powers available to local governments through the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, which allows municipal bodies to impose taxes, fees, rates and tolls within their jurisdiction.
The proposed tax is likely to increase the cost of hotel stays, wedding events, banquet bookings and short-term rental accommodations in Karachi, as businesses may pass the additional charge on to customers through final bills.
The proposal has already attracted political attention within the City Council. Sources said opposition parties, including Jamaat e Islami, PTI-backed members and other council representatives, have started consultations on the issue and are expected to announce their formal position in the coming days.
Business circles connected with hotels, wedding halls and hospitality services are also expected to review the financial impact of the proposed levy before the public hearing. The final decision will depend on the approval process in the municipal budget and the response received from stakeholders during the consultation phase.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh cabinet has approved development schemes worth Rs 11.198 billion for major road and bridge connectivity projects in Karachi, as part of a broader push to improve urban infrastructure and ease traffic pressure across the city.
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Sindh chief minister. According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s House, the approved schemes will be executed under the Karachi Mega Project and funded through the “New Development Initiatives” allocation of the Annual Development Programme for financial year 2025-26.
The projects include the rehabilitation, improvement and widening of several important roads and transport corridors in different parts of Karachi. These include Haji Ibrahim Essa Road, Haji Camp Road, Korangi Link Road and roads in Clifton connecting to Marine Drive. Development work has also been approved for Mehran Road and Pajero Road in Scheme 33, Korangi Creek Airbase Road, the extension of Jinnah Avenue in Gulzar-i-Hijri and Baldia Stadium Road, which connects Shahrah i Orangi with Hub River Road.
Officials said the road improvement schemes are aimed at strengthening Karachi’s internal connectivity, reducing travel time and improving access between residential, commercial and industrial areas. The selected routes are considered important for daily commuters, public transport movement and commercial activity.
In addition to road rehabilitation, the cabinet also approved the construction of two major bridges in the city. One bridge will be built at Power House Chowrangi in North Karachi, while the second will be constructed at 4-K Chowrangi in Surjani Town. Both locations are considered high-traffic points where congestion has remained a persistent issue for commuters.
To begin implementation, the cabinet sanctioned an initial release of Rs 560 million, which is around five percent of the total estimated cost of the approved Karachi infrastructure schemes. The amount will be released from the current ADP allocation to allow relevant departments to start preparatory and execution work.
The chief minister directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution of all approved schemes and maintain quality standards during construction. He said development projects must be completed within the given timelines so that citizens can benefit from improved road infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
Separately, the Sindh cabinet also approved Rs 8.824 billion for water supply and drainage schemes across the province. Officials said the funds will be used for multiple projects aimed at upgrading water and sanitation systems in both urban and rural areas.
The cabinet also approved a new framework for receiving Sindh’s 12.5 percent natural gas royalty in kind on a field-to-field basis, instead of receiving it entirely in cash. Officials briefed the meeting that the proposed arrangement could generate an additional Rs 26 billion annually for the provincial government.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an inquiry into the alleged illegal issuance of no objection certificates by the Sindh Building Control Authority for marriage halls and marquees in Karachi, along with the reported construction of commercial buildings on amenity plots.
According to available details, NAB has taken notice of complaints regarding illegal commercial activity, misuse of public and amenity spaces and failure of the relevant authorities to act against unauthorized constructions. The bureau has sought a detailed report from SBCA on alleged violations, financial losses to the national exchequer and reasons behind the authority’s lack of effective enforcement.
In its communication to the Sindh Building Control Authority, NAB also pointed out that previous requests for information had not been properly answered. The anti graft body has now asked the authority to submit a comprehensive report covering illegal NOCs, enforcement gaps and action taken against unauthorized marriage halls, marquees and commercial structures.
The inquiry comes amid growing concern among residents, urban rights activists, legal experts and business stakeholders over the unchecked commercialization of residential areas in Karachi. Critics say illegal wedding venues and commercial buildings have increased traffic congestion, worsened environmental conditions and placed additional pressure on the city’s already fragile civic infrastructure.
An SBCA spokesperson said the authority has started a city-wide survey to identify illegal marriage halls and marquees. According to the spokesperson, data is being collected from different districts of Karachi and a consolidated report will be shared with the relevant institutions after completion of the exercise.
However, several stakeholders have raised questions over the effectiveness and fairness of the ongoing survey. They argue that many illegal structures are already known to the authorities, while legitimate business operators continue to face repeated documentation requirements, inspections and regulatory pressure.
The All Karachi Marriage Hall, Lawn and Banquet Owners Association has also expressed serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized wedding venues.
Association president Rana Raees Ahmed said nearly 200 illegal ballrooms are operating in residential buildings without proper fire exits, structural safety measures or regulatory approvals.
He described such venues as serious safety hazards and warned that they could become death traps in case of fire, emergency or structural failure. He said lawful marriage halls are required to comply with building regulations and safety standards, while illegal operators continue to function freely due to weak enforcement and administrative negligence.
The NAB inquiry is expected to increase pressure on civic and building control authorities in Karachi, where urban planning violations have become a major public concern. Civic stakeholders say unregulated commercialization must be addressed through transparent enforcement, legal scrutiny and strict action against those responsible for approving or protecting illegal structures.