ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to widen the tax net, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established a special Lifestyle Monitoring Cell, tasked with scanning social media platforms to spot signs of lavish spending inconsistent with declared incomes.
The 40-member unit will closely monitor Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook, gathering digital evidence of luxury lifestyles flaunted online. From designer outfits and foreign trips to extravagant weddings and high-end purchases, the monitoring cell will compile evidence and cross-check it against tax records. Authorities confirm that screenshots, vendor tags, and timestamps will be stored in a central repository to support future investigations into tax evasion and potential money laundering.
The unit has already flagged a high-profile wedding reportedly costing Rs 248 million, complete with diamond and gold sets, choreographed drone shows, and designer bridal wear — an example of unchecked wealth that the FBR now plans to scrutinize.
The creation of this digital monitoring cell comes amid mounting pressure on Pakistan to meet IMF-backed revenue targets, with less than 2% of the population paying income tax. Officials believe that tapping into social media can help plug longstanding gaps in the taxation system, offering a modern tool where traditional audits have largely failed.
However, the move has triggered debate. Supporters see it as a long overdue step to hold the elite accountable, while critics warn of privacy concerns and potential misuse of data, especially against high-profile individuals constantly under public spotlight.
As Pakistan’s fiscal challenges deepen, this bold initiative could mark a turning point in tax enforcement, showing that even diamonds, drones and designer displays are no longer beyond the FBR’s reach.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.