Punjab to install surveillance cameras in marquees, bridal halls and big food chains

— The Punjab government has decided to put surveillance cameras in marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and huge restaurant chains as a part of wider monitoring and tax enforcement strategy.

The decision was decided in a revenue-related meeting headed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. It also discussed suggestions to mandating digital payments in large eateries instead of cash transactions, with a revenue goal of 528.5 billion for the financial year 2026–27.

Cameras would be deployed at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and large restaurant chains as per the new monitoring plan, officials added. Strict action will be taken against anyone issuing fraudulent receipts or hiding sales.

He said the globe has shifted from cash to digital systems and Pakistan may also follow the same route. She said there will be zero tolerance policy on tax evasion and surveillance cameras and digital technology would be deployed to detect discrepancies.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif has asked the concerned agencies to submit weekly reports on tax collection and mapping on sector basis. She also directed Punjab Revenue Authority to enhance enforcement capacity, human resources and implement current technologies.

She also directed to enhance the media arm of the Punjab Revenue Authority to educate the public about taxation and the grounds for taking enforcement action should also be clearly explained to the public through media.