Action against businesses over tax evasion

Published June 3, 2026 Updated June 3, 2026 07:03am

LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) carried out operations against businesses involved in non-payment of taxes and failure to issue “point of sale” (POS) receipts.

Inspections were conducted at various business establishments, including restaurants, beauty salons, aesthetic clinics and other service sector units across the province.

In Lahore, action was taken against a renowned food chain for alleged manipulation and irregularities in tax payments. During the operation, the relevant business records were taken into custody for further examination.

According to a spokesperson, the business establishments found involved in serious violations of tax laws will be sealed. He said the issuance of POS receipts was mandatory to prevent tax evasion and ensure transparency in business transactions while timely payment of taxes was essential for expanding the provincial tax net and promoting a transparent and documented business environment across Punjab.

SEALED: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) sealed 128 properties during an operation against illegal commercial activities and commercial fee defaulters in various parts of the city.

According to a spokesman, the operation was carried out by the LDA’s Town Planning Wing on the directives of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq in areas under the authority’s jurisdiction, including Gulberg, New Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulshan-i-Ravi and GT Road. Thirty-nine properties in Gulshan-i-Ravi and along GT Road were sealed for illegal commercial use.

In a separate action against commercial fee defaulters, 24 properties in Gulberg and New Garden Town Scheme were sealed. The teams also sealed 35 shops in Johar Town and 30 properties in Sabzazar.

The sealed properties included private schools, restaurants, food outlets, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops and offices, among others.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2026

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