Revenue collection: Punjab CM orders surveillance of business transactions

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to install surveillance cameras at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains to ensure proper monitoring of business transactions and curb tax evasion.

The decision was taken during a special meeting on provincial revenue chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday, where officials also briefed participants on revenue collection and the performance of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA).

According to the briefing, every transaction carried out at large food chains, marriage halls and farmhouses will be recorded and monitored. The meeting also decided to take strict action against businesses involved in issuing fake receipts or concealing sales.

The chief minister directed authorities to submit weekly reports on tax collection and sectoral mapping, while also ordering a gradual transition from a cash-based economy towards digital payment systems.

The meeting discussed the possibility of installing digital payment facilities at major restaurants in place of cash transactions to improve transparency and documentation of economic activity.

“If the world can move from cash to digital payments, why can’t Pakistan?” CM Punjab remarked, reiterating a policy of zero tolerance towards tax evasion. “The camera’s eye will see it, and the digital system will detect it as well,” she said.

Officials informed the meeting that a revenue target of Rs 528.5 billion had been set for fiscal year 2026-27.

The briefing further revealed that Punjab’s revenue collection had increased by 38 percent, with collections rising from Rs250 billion to Rs 346 billion. The operational reach of the PRA has also been expanded from 10 districts to 26 districts across the province.

Participants were informed that the PRA has established dedicated Intelligence and Investigation, Taxpayer Audit, and Legal Wings to strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

Expressing satisfaction over the authority’s performance, the chief minister appreciated the PRA’s efforts and directed officials to further enhance enforcement capacity, increase human resources and equip the organisation with modern technology.

She also instructed the PRA to strengthen its media and public awareness campaigns to encourage tax compliance. She emphasised that whenever enforcement action is taken, the reasons behind such action should be communicated to the public in a comprehensive and transparent manner.

The meeting was attended by senior officials concerned with provincial revenue collection and taxation matters.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026