The Punjab government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown targeting tax evasion and fraudulent invoicing by introducing surveillance cameras at commercial establishments and promoting a shift from cash to digital payments across key economic sectors.
These measures were endorsed during a provincial revenue meeting led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who emphasized stringent action against businesses involved in issuing fake receipts or underreporting sales figures.
the new directives, camera monitoring systems will be installed at venues such as marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses, and major food chains to enable real-time transaction tracking. Additionally, the government is considering mandatory digital payments at prominent restaurants to curb tax evasion through cash transactions.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted the zero-tolerance stance on tax evasion, stating that surveillance cameras and digital systems will identify offenders. She questioned the reluctance to transition from a cash-based economy to a digital one, noting that global markets have already made this shift successfully.
For the fiscal year 2026-27, the provincial government has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs528.5 billion. To ensure accountability, the chief minister instructed relevant authorities to provide weekly sector-wise mapping and tax collection updates.
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) reported a 38 percent increase in collections, rising to Rs346 billion from Rs250 billion the previous year. Officials noted that the PRA’s operational reach has grown from 10 to 26 districts, supported by newly established intelligence, investigation, taxpayer audit, and legal divisions.
Maryam Nawaz directed the PRA to enhance its enforcement workforce and integrate advanced technology to close revenue gaps. Furthermore, she urged the authority’s media wing to publicly share the rationale and outcomes of enforcement actions to raise public awareness about tax compliance.
