Pakistan's Tax Sleuths Go High-Tech: Social Media Under Scrutiny

Pakistan's tax authorities have launched a 'Lifestyle Monitoring Cell' to scan social media for evidence of lavish spending. This initiative aims to track influencers and business figures to address the country's low tax-to-GDP ratio and meet IMF-backed budget goals.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 24-09-2025 08:32 IST | Created: 24-09-2025 08:32 IST

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In an effort to tackle one of its most pressing fiscal challenges, Pakistan has rolled out an innovative measure to sniff out tax evaders by closely monitoring social media activity.

The newly-formed 'Lifestyle Monitoring Cell' is tasked with scanning Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to track flashy spenders whose tax filings don't align with their perceived wealth.

This strategic move comes as a direct response to Pakistan's historically low tax-to-GDP ratio and aims to meet stringent budget targets set by the International Monetary Fund.