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Pakistan Celebrates National Day in UAE with Diplomatic Reception

  The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a grand reception today to commemorate Pakistan's National Day, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior UAE government officials, Emirati nationals, and the Pakistani community. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh. The event featured traditional performances, including the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE played on traditional instruments. The Pakistani flag was prominently displayed on the hotel building, visible across Abu Dhabi, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations . In his address, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reflected on the significance of the Pakistan Resolution and the challenges faced by the nascent state in its journey toward socio-economic development. He highlighted various opportuni...
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Can K-Electric Collect Municipal Charges for Karachi?


 In a recent court hearing at the Sindh High Court, senior lawyer Munir A. Malik challenged the government’s decision to appoint K-Electric (KE) to collect Municipal Charges & Taxes (MUCT) for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) through electricity bills. Malik argued that this move violates contract rules and raised constitutional concerns.

According to Malik, the notification authorizing KE’s engagement for tax collection, issued on Jan 21, 2022, goes against the Sindh Local Government Contract Rules, 2001. He emphasized that as there are multiple service providers in Karachi, the contract should have followed specified rules.

Malik highlighted that KE should not exercise coercive powers under the Electricity Act to collect taxes, as the disconnection of power is regulated by federal law. He pointed out that neither the Sindh Local Government Act, 2013 nor the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Act 1997, empower KE to disconnect power due to non-payment of compulsory taxation.

The amicus curiae also contended that the MUCT revision should follow proper procedures, including public notification and adherence to imposition rules.

The case originated from petitions filed last year against the provincial government’s decision to outsource MUCT collection to KE. The court had earlier restrained KE from collecting MUCT through electricity bills.

As the legal battle continues, questions arise about the authority of private entities like KE in tax collection and the adherence to legal procedures in implementing municipal charges.

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