FBR sends notices to 30 Pakistanis for evading tax while flaunting wealth online

Pakistan’s top tax official said on Tuesday that the government has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion, including actions against high-profile social media users who display lavish lifestyles but underreport their income.

Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Langrial, while speaking informally with reporters, said the FBR has already issued notices to 30 individuals who showcase expensive clothes, homes, cars and horses on social media while declaring significantly lower income in their tax filings.

Langrial said authorities have obtained complete data on people who either fail to file tax returns or submit false information despite flaunting wealth online. “We will continue robust operations against tax evaders across the country,” he said.

According to Langrial, the FBR has appointed a chief commissioner for enforcement to lead nationwide actions against tax evasion. “All operations against tax evaders will fall under the supervision of this chief commissioner, and daily reports are being compiled,” he said.

He said the government’s efforts have led to a PKR 40 billion increase in sales tax collection from the sugar industry this year.

Previously, he noted, the price of taxed and untaxed sugar differed across the country. “Now, if anyone is found holding untaxed sugar stock anywhere in Pakistan, the strictest action will be taken,” he warned.

Langrial said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has a “zero-tolerance” policy toward tax evasion and consistently instructs authorities to pursue the toughest measures.

The FBR chairman added that action is also being taken to curb the movement of smuggled goods. Customs officials, he said, are conducting daily operations against smugglers. “Smugglers have harmed Customs authorities, and two tax officers have been martyred,” Langrial revealed.