Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to install monitoring cameras in wedding halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains as part of a broader effort to improve tax collection and curb revenue leakage.
The decision was taken during a meeting on provincial revenue chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials reviewed measures to strengthen tax enforcement and expand digital oversight across key business sectors.
According to the meeting’s decisions, transactions at wedding halls, marquees, farmhouses and large restaurant chains will be closely monitored to ensure accurate reporting of sales and tax compliance. Authorities said the move is aimed at reducing the cash-based economy and shifting businesses toward digital payment systems.
The chief minister directed officials to submit weekly reports on tax collection performance and sector-wise mapping to improve transparency and accountability in revenue generation.
Officials also informed the meeting that Punjab’s revenue collection has increased by 38 percent, rising from Rs250 billion to Rs346 billion. For the fiscal year 2026–27, the province has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs528 billion.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that Pakistan must transition from a cash-based economy to a digital system if other countries can successfully do so. She emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy against tax evasion and warned that strict action will be taken against those issuing fake receipts or hiding sales.
She further stated that both camera surveillance and digital monitoring systems would be used to detect irregularities in business transactions. The initiative is expected to enhance transparency in high-revenue sectors, particularly those traditionally prone to underreporting.
Officials said the monitoring system will help ensure fair tax collection and improve documentation of business activity across Punjab, contributing to broader fiscal reforms in the province.
The government’s move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the tax system and strengthen provincial revenues through technology-driven enforcement mechanisms.