A consumer court judge has issued an order halting the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) of Khanpur from collecting taxes related to the Khanpur Dam reservoir and has directed both parties to appear in court on August 30.
The complaint was filed by the executive engineer of Khanpur Dam, who argued that the TMA had been imposing and collecting local taxes from boat operators, jetty owners, parasailing clubs, and visitors for parking at the reservoir. The engineer contends that the land in question originally belonged to the Wapda Department and that the TMA has collected Rs. 11.4 million from the reservoir between 2021 and August 2024.
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The engineer asserts that this revenue should be returned to Wapda and requested that the court prevent the TMA from continuing to register boats, jetties, and parking areas or collecting any associated taxes or fees.
In response to the complaint, Consumer Judge Muneera Abbasi issued a short order prohibiting the TMA Khanpur from collecting taxes on the dam’s land. Notices have been served to the involved parties, requiring them to attend court on August 30.
Previously, on June 13, 2024, the Khanpur Dam authorities had notified the Assistant Commissioner of Khanpur that the TMA’s collection of parking and water sports fees at the dam was illegal. Despite this notification and informing the district administration and Commissioner Hazara, no action was taken.
