Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the installation of surveillance cameras at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses, and major food chains across the province to ensure transparent monitoring of business transactions and curb tax evasion.
Meeting on Provincial Revenue
Chairing a special meeting on provincial revenue in Lahore, the chief minister was briefed on tax collection performance and the working of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA). The meeting was informed that transactions conducted at large restaurants, marriage halls, and farmhouses would be monitored through a comprehensive surveillance mechanism. Strict action would be taken against businesses involved in issuing fake receipts or concealing sales.
Transition to Digital Payments
The CM directed authorities to submit weekly reports on tax collection and sectoral mapping, and stressed the need to gradually transition from a cash-based economy to a digital payment system. The meeting also reviewed proposals for introducing digital payment facilities at major restaurants to enhance transparency and improve documentation of economic activity.
CM's Remarks on Tax Evasion
Addressing the participants, CM Maryam Nawaz said tax evasion would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that modern monitoring mechanisms and digital systems would help ensure compliance. “If the world can move from cash to digital payments, why can’t Pakistan?” she remarked.
Revenue Targets and Performance
The meeting was informed that Punjab had set a revenue target of Rs528.5 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Officials further briefed that provincial revenue collection had increased by 38 per cent, rising from Rs250 billion to Rs346 billion, while the operational jurisdiction of the PRA had expanded from 10 districts to 26 districts.
Strengthening Enforcement
Participants were told that the PRA had established dedicated Intelligence and Investigation, Taxpayer Audit, and Legal Wings to strengthen enforcement and improve compliance. Expressing satisfaction over the authority’s performance, the chief minister appreciated its efforts and directed officials to further enhance enforcement capacity, increase human resources, and equip the organisation with modern technology.
Public Awareness Campaigns
She also instructed the PRA to intensify media and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting tax compliance, emphasizing that the reasons behind enforcement actions should be communicated to the public in a transparent and comprehensive manner. Senior officials concerned with provincial revenue collection and taxation attended the meeting.
