The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has launched an aggressive campaign against tax defaulters, seizing records from 15 cafés, restaurants, and marquees across Punjab accused of sales tax misreporting and evasion. Officials said the move aims to ensure transparency and recover taxes collected from customers but not deposited into the government treasury.
Enforcement teams conducted surprise inspections in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sargodha, where they confiscated financial records from several popular food chains and event venues. Similar operations were also carried out in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur, targeting businesses allegedly involved in concealing taxable income and withholding collected taxes.
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According to a PRA spokesperson, inspectors seized records from four marquees, five cafés, and six restaurants during the latest operation. He warned that “heavy penalties will be imposed on those found guilty of retaining public tax money,” adding that strict legal action is being prepared against violators.
The spokesperson emphasized that the crackdown reflects the authority’s zero-tolerance policy toward tax evasion and non-compliance. Dedicated enforcement units have been deployed throughout the province to identify defaulters, enforce collection, and ensure timely revenue submission to the provincial treasury.
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Despite the intensified enforcement drive, the spokesperson noted that Punjab’s overall tax collection has improved compared to the previous fiscal year. He clarified that no new taxes or rate increases have been introduced in the current financial year, underscoring that the government’s focus remains on compliance and fair revenue recovery rather than burdening taxpayers.