ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a new initiative to identify tax evaders by monitoring social media platforms for signs of undisclosed wealth.
A newly established unit, the Lifestyle Monitoring Cell, is scanning Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube posts from celebrities, influencers, businesspeople, and real estate dealers. The unit compares visible displays of wealth with the individuals’ reported incomes to detect discrepancies.
Digital Profiles
The unit consists of 40 investigators who are building digital profiles of suspected tax evaders. They are collecting screenshots and timestamps as evidence, which may be used in tax or money laundering investigations.
“It’s open-source – their Instagram accounts are a public declaration,” a senior FBR official told Reuters, adding that tax evasion cases can now be initiated in a matter of hours.
The initiative comes as Pakistan seeks to meet new revenue targets under an International Monetary Fund-backed budget. With one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in Asia, the country faces longstanding challenges in tax compliance.
Less than 2 per cent of the population currently pays income tax.
One case under investigation involves a six-day wedding that reportedly cost nearly 248 million Pakistani rupees (about $878,000). Over $283,000 was allegedly spent on diamond and gold jewellery, and $124,000 on bridal attire, reports Reuters.
The event featured floral archways, drone shows, multi-course meals, and performances by DJs and traditional musicians. International consultants were reportedly brought in to choreograph the celebration.
Job made easy
An FBR official stated that social media posts, including tags of vendors and service providers, have made it easier to gather information.
The families involved in the wedding are reported to have declared income significantly lower than the apparent cost of the event.
The wedding is one of several cases currently being reviewed. Authorities are also investigating online content showcasing luxury cars, high-end properties, and extravagant lifestyles.
