Citizens and Traders Refuse to Pay Newly Imposed Garbage Tax

The Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has introduced a garbage tax on residents and traders, beginning with bill distribution across homes, shops, and plazas from October 13.

Bills ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 have been issued, sparking anger among citizens and business owners. In commercial areas, traders have received monthly bills between Rs. 1,100 and Rs. 2,000, triggering confrontations with RWMC staff and strong backlash against local PML-N leaders.

Traders and citizens have refused to pay, arguing that Rawalpindi’s sanitation system remains ineffective. They announced plans to stage a protest outside the RWMC and the offices of the commissioner and deputy commissioner, calling the levy an act of “extortion.”

RWMC began implementing the tax in September, with October bills covering last month’s dues. Payments are due by October 15 via Easypaisa or JazzCash, while defaulters may face fines and legal action after October 20.

Officials defended the tax, saying it would fund garbage disposal, recycling, machinery, and salaries, while creating sustainable employment. However, traders and civic groups say sanitation remains poor, with garbage piles and overflowing containers still visible across the city.