In a recent podcast, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munim Zafar disclosed eye-opening details about the monthly salary and perks of local government officials.
Monthly salary of a Town Chairman in Karachi: Approximately PKR 50,000, according to Zafar.
ARY NEWSDespite common perceptions, Town Chairmen are typically not lavishly compensated—however, they are provided with official vehicles, a privilege not extended to Union Council (UC) chairmen and councillors.
ARY NEWSZafar also highlighted funding challenges: Until recently, each UC received only PKR 500,000 from Octroi Tax share. With payroll taking up PKR 450,000–475,000, barely PKR 25,000 remained for development activities. Due to advocacy by Zafar’s party, Octroi Tax funds were later increased to PKR 1.2 million per UC.
Summary Table
| Position | Monthly Salary | Additional Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Town Chairman (Karachi) | ~PKR 50,000 | Official vehicle provided |
| UC Chairman/Councillor | Not specified | No vehicle provided |
Key Takeaways
The disclosed pay contradicts the perception of affluent lifestyles among local officials.
Town Chairmen get official vehicles—perhaps contributing to that perception—unlike UC chairmen.
Funding constraints at the UC level have historically limited development budgets, though improvements are underway.
