Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to expand tax enforcement measures by installing surveillance cameras at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains across the province to improve monitoring of business transactions and curb tax evasion.
The decision was taken during a special meeting on provincial revenue chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed tax collection performance and the operations of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA).
Officials informed the meeting that transactions at large restaurants, marriage halls and farmhouses would be monitored through a comprehensive surveillance system. Authorities also plan to take action against businesses found issuing fake receipts or concealing sales.
The chief minister directed relevant departments to submit weekly reports on tax collection and sectoral mapping. She also emphasized the need to gradually shift from a cash-based economy to digital payment systems.
The meeting reviewed proposals to introduce digital payment facilities at major restaurants to improve transparency and documentation of economic activity. Maryam Nawaz said modern monitoring and digital systems would help strengthen tax compliance and reduce revenue leakages.
Officials briefed the meeting that Punjab has set a revenue collection target of PKR 528.5 billion for fiscal year 2026-27.
The meeting was informed that provincial revenue collection had increased by 38%, rising from PKR 250 billion to PKR 346 billion. Officials also reported that the operational jurisdiction of the PRA had expanded from 10 districts to 26 districts.
Participants were told that the PRA has established dedicated Intelligence and Investigation, Taxpayer Audit and Legal Wings to strengthen enforcement and improve compliance.
The chief minister directed the authority to further enhance its enforcement capacity, increase staffing levels and adopt modern technologies. She also instructed officials to expand public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting tax compliance and ensuring greater transparency regarding enforcement actions.
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