The Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, has set government rates for burials in all registered graveyards of the space-strapped city. 

The official rate as per the new rules will be Rs 14,300, Wahab confirmed, adding that banners stating the rate have also been put up in all graveyards.

He warned graveyard staff that anyone found charging a higher rate would have to face strict action. Citizens have been instructed not to pay more than Rs 14,300 while also having the facility to complain about anyone overcharging them on 1339. 

"We have initiated action against the mafia that demolishes graves," Murtaza Wahab said on the occasion. He also stated that staff not registered with the Municipal Corporation will not be allowed to work in graveyards. 

Like other major cities in Pakistan, Karachi faces an acute shortage of burial space. A burgeoning population and lack of space have led to astronomical burial charges, with many graveyards demanding upwards of Rs 40,000. In select graveyards this rate can go up to Rs 100,000.