KARACHI: Different industries have challenged the hike in water rate in Sindh High Court (SHC). SHC has sought cabinet approval on applications and minutes of meeting. SHC has directed Sindh government to file detailed reply on May 21 . The court has extended stay order related to enhancement in water prices. During the hearing of the case, Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro inquired where is Sindh government. Is Sindh government sleeping. Is there any one from Advocate General office. They will say file is not available. During the hearing the state counsel sought time to file reply. State counsel said he had gone to search file. Justice Muhammad Iqbal remarked “ should we go to search file. We are very disappointed. State counsel does not assist court. He helps himself only. Counsel for water board took the plea during the hearing hike in water prices was approved 9 percent per annum following approval by cabinet in 2017. Local government had issued notification regarding increase in water prices in 2015. Water rate is rising since 2001. Counsel for industrialists said water board is increasing water rate on its own annually. Increasing the rate of water without cabinet approval is illegal. DNA
