Punjab to install cameras in marquees, halls and food chains

The Punjab government has decided to install surveillance cameras in marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses, and large food chains as part of a major initiative to improve monitoring and curb tax evasion.

The decision was made during a revenue meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed several proposals aimed at increasing tax collection, improving transparency, and modernising the province’s revenue system. Officials said cameras will be installed at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses, and major restaurant chains to help monitor business activities. Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against businesses involved in issuing fake receipts or concealing sales to evade taxes.

The meeting also discussed making digital payments mandatory in large restaurants instead of cash transactions. The Punjab government believes digital systems will improve transparency and make it easier to track business revenues.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that if countries around the world can successfully shift from cash-based transactions to digital systems, Pakistan can do the same. She stressed that there would be zero tolerance for tax evasion and said modern technology would play a key role in detecting irregularities.

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During the meeting, a revenue collection target of Rs528.5 billion was set for the financial year 2026-27. Officials were directed to take practical steps to achieve the target through improved enforcement and monitoring. Maryam Nawaz also instructed authorities to submit weekly reports on tax collection and sector-wise performance. She directed the Punjab Revenue Authority to strengthen its enforcement teams, expand human resources, and adopt advanced technology to improve efficiency.

The chief minister further ordered the strengthening of the Punjab Revenue Authority’s media wing to raise public awareness about taxation. She said that whenever enforcement actions are taken, the reasons behind them should be clearly communicated to the public through the media. The new measures are part of the Punjab government’s broader effort to increase revenue collection, reduce tax evasion, and bring more businesses into the documented economy.