‘Not Fake Receipt, But Real Tax’: Punjab Govt Tightens Noose Around Tax Evaders & Fraudsters

Lahore: (Web Desk) – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting on Punjab’s revenue collection, in which Important decisions were made to meet revenue collection targets in the province. She said that every transaction in Punjab—from marriage halls and food chains to businesses and farmhouses—will now be accounted for, as Punjab government has decided to install cameras for monitoring marriage halls, markets, farmhouses, and major food chains. She added that strict action will be taken against all those issuing fake receipts to conceal sales. She highlighted that consideration is also being given to making digital payments mandatory at large restaurants instead of cash collections. She expressed with a sense of surprise that if world can move from cash to digital economy, why can’t Pakistan?

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Chief Minister Punjab vowed zero tolerance for tax theft; as cameras will spot it, and the digital system will catch it. She directed the relevant authorities to submit a weekly report on tax collection and sectoral mapping; as a revenue target of Rs 528.5 billion has been set for the fiscal year 2026-27. She also directed them to transition from cash economy to digital payments. Earlier, the authorities concerned briefed her that Punjab’s revenue collection has increased by 38%, rising from Rs 250 billion to Rs 346 billion; as the scope of Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) was expanded from 10 to 26 districts. They said that an Intelligence & Investigation Wing, Taxpayer Audit Wing, and Legal Wing have also been established within PRA for the purpose.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction and commended the performance of PRA; and directed that enforcement capabilities and human resources within PRA should be strengthened, and the authority should be equipped with modern technology. She also directed that PRA’s media wing be made more effective to increase tax awareness among public; because wherever PRA takes any action, reasons for that action should be brought before the media in a comprehensive manner.