The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is gearing up for an unprecedented crackdown on people who showcase luxury lifestyles online without paying their due taxes. As per the sources, the tax authority has identified nearly 100,000 individuals whose social media activity indicates extravagant spending far beyond what they declare in their tax returns.
From Instagram influencers flaunting designer handbags to young millionaires showing off imported cars and sprawling mansions, the FBR has been quietly building a database of “digital lifestyles” that don’t match declared incomes.
Officials keep on saying that the trend of openly displaying wealth on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook has made it much easier to identify potential tax evaders.
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But the crackdown isn’t limited to influencers alone. Sources confirmed that lavish wedding spenders will also be in the spotlight. The FBR has reportedly gathered evidence of families spending millions on elaborate functions, including individuals wearing suits worth $20,000 or more. Such displays of wealth, when not reflected in income declarations, will raise red flags.
The FBR plans to cross-check last year’s income tax returns against this year’s filings. If spending patterns — such as expensive cars, jewelry, or international vacations — don’t align with declared income, the tax authority will initiate proceedings. Non-filers, in particular, will face tougher scrutiny, with the possibility of penalties and legal action.
Officials say the aim is not only to increase revenue but also to send a clear message: Pakistan’s growing “show-off culture” cannot thrive at the cost of tax evasion. “When ordinary salaried citizens pay their dues honestly, it is unfair for the ultra-rich to escape accountability while flaunting their wealth online,” one official remarked.
This move marks a shift in the FBR’s approach, blending traditional tax enforcement with digital surveillance. While some hail it as a necessary step towards broadening the tax net, critics warn that the FBR must ensure transparency and avoid harassing individuals without solid evidence.
Either way, the days of flaunting unchecked luxury on social media without consequences may soon be over.