The World Bank has approved $150 million in financing for a programme aimed at improving property tax collection and municipal services in Sindh.
The Sindh Property Revenues Enhancement Program (Sindh PREP), approved on October 30, seeks to increase Karachi’s annual property tax revenue from $8.5 million to $85 million and raise compliance from 20% to 50%.
The programme will introduce digital tax management systems and strengthen financial administration across local councils. Around 70% of the property tax revenue collected will be reinvested in local infrastructure and services.
The initiative will cover Karachi’s 25 local councils, benefiting approximately 3.58 million people, while an additional $40 million component will extend property surveys and tax administration to 20 local councils in other urban centres of Sindh.
The funding will also support climate-resilient infrastructure, including drainage, sewerage, roads, schools, fire stations and street lighting.
