Court Stops Khanpur TMA from Collecting Taxes

The consumer court judge has stopped the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) of Khanpur from collecting taxes from the reservoir and instructed both parties to appear in court on August 30.

The executive engineer of Khanpur Dam filed a complaint with the consumer protection court, arguing that the Tehsil Municipal Administration of Khanpur has been imposing and collecting local taxes from boat operators, jetty owners, parasailing clubs, and visitors for parking at the reservoir.

The engineer claimed that the land in question originally belonged to the Wapda Department. He further claimed that the Tehsil Municipal Administration of Khanpur had collected Rs11.4 million from the Khanpur reservoir between 2021 and August 2024.

He argued that this revenue, rightfully belonging to Wapda, should be returned. The plaintiff requested that the court prohibit TMA from continuing to register boats, jetties, and parking areas, and from collecting any related taxes or fees.

In response to the dam authorities’ request, Consumer Judge Muneera Abbasi issued a short order prohibiting the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Khanpur from collecting taxes on land belonging to the dam. Notices were served to the involved parties, requiring their personal appearance in court on August 30.

The Khanpur Dam authorities had previously notified the Assistant Commissioner Khanpur on June 13, 2024, declaring the TMA’s parking and water sports fee collection at the dam as illegal. Despite informing the district administration and Commissioner Hazara, no intervention was made.