Million-Dollar Wedding Draws Scrutiny As Pakistan Scans Social Media In Tax Hunt

Million-Dollar Wedding Attracts Attention As Pakistan Reviews Social Media For Tax Collection

Authorities report one wedding under investigation cost approximately 248 million rupees

Diamond jewelry collections and an elaborate drone light display at a wedding approaching one million dollars have become crucial evidence for Pakistan's tax authorities through a newly established "Lifestyle Monitoring Cell" assigned to examine social media for extravagant spenders, officials confirmed.

A specialized team comprising 40 investigators from Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has begun examining Instagram, TikTok and YouTube content this week, aiming to identify influencers, celebrities, real estate professionals and business owners whose lifestyle displays don't align with their tax declarations.

"These are public sources - their Instagram accounts serve as public declarations," explained a high-ranking FBR official, noting that tax evasion investigations can be initiated within hours. Reuters requested comments from the FBR but received no response.

The monitoring unit was created to address Pakistan's persistent challenges in meeting revenue collection targets and to assist in achieving the more demanding goals established in this year's budget, which is supported by the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan maintains one of Asia's lowest tax-to-GDP ratios, a persistent weakness that has necessitated nearly two dozen IMF assistance programs. Less than 2% of the population contributes to income tax revenue.

According to an internal document reviewed by Reuters, the unit was officially established this month with the mandate to "systematically monitor, scour and analyse data from major social media platforms" and identify individuals who display wealth but are either unregistered for taxation or report incomes inconsistent with their expenditures and assets.

The document indicates the cell will develop digital profiles of suspects, evaluate the financial resources behind their lifestyles, and prepare reports applicable for tax or money laundering investigations.

A central database of evidence, including screenshots and timestamps, will be maintained by the unit, as stated in the document.

Diamonds, Drones, DJs, And Evidence Collection

Officials revealed one wedding under examination carried costs approaching 248 million rupees ($878,000).

Documents examined by Reuters showed approximately $283,000 spent on diamond and gold jewelry sets and $124,000 allocated for bridal attire designed by prominent South Asian fashion designers.

Attendees entered through corridors adorned with floral arches while drones illuminated the night sky, before enjoying elaborate multi-course meals prepared for 400 guests.

The celebrations featured premier makeup artists, professional DJs and traditional qawwali musical performances, with international consultants coordinating the six-day event that officials described as exemplifying the lavish expenditures now under investigation.

This wedding represents just one among several cases currently being reviewed, officials stated. Investigators are also analyzing videos showcasing luxury vehicles, high-end property tours and social media influencers displaying expensive lifestyle choices.

"Individuals themselves tag event planners, catering services, jewelers, and other vendors. This significantly facilitates our investigation," another official explained, adding that the expenditures of both families involved appeared inconsistent with their declared income.

Despite its recent formation, the specialized unit has already identified multiple cases for deeper investigation, officials confirmed.

While previous efforts to target high-income earners were unsuccessful, officials believe the new social media monitoring approach provides stronger evidence and more efficient methods to identify undeclared wealth.