FBR puts lavish social media users under scrutiny in tax crackdown

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial has warned that individuals displaying expensive clothing, cars and properties on social media are now under scrutiny as part of an intensified crackdown on tax evasion. He said that 30 people who reportedly declared lower incomes despite showcasing a lavish lifestyle online have already been issued notices. Daily reports on actions against tax evaders are being compiled, he added.

Speaking informally to the media in Islamabad, Langrial said that the prices of taxed and untaxed sugar were previously different, but the gap has now been eliminated. He urged the public to identify anyone holding untaxed sugar stocks, warning that strict action would be taken against such individuals.

The FBR chief noted a significant improvement in revenue collection from the sugar sector, stating that sales tax recovered from the industry had increased by Rs40 billion within a year. He also confirmed that a chief commissioner for enforcement had been appointed specifically to lead operations against tax evasion nationwide.

Langrial said strong measures were also under way to curb the transportation of smuggled goods. He remarked that smugglers had targeted customs officials, resulting in the deaths of two tax personnel. Despite these challenges, he stressed that operations against smuggling would continue without interruption.