In the midst of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis, a wedding of a senior bureaucrat’s daughter has reportedly drawn the attention of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for its extravagant scale and undeclared expenses.
Government sources said the celebrations, spread over six major events, are estimated to have cost Rs248 million. Despite this display of wealth, no record in the tax filings of the bureaucrat or his daughter reportedly justifies the level of spending.
Read More: O and A Level Students in Pakistan Can Now Check Their Marked Papers
According to documents, around Rs40 million was spent on lavish décor and venues, while catering for 400 guests cost Rs30 million. Designer outfits for the bride, groom, and close relatives added another Rs35 million. Jewellery alone reportedly amounted to Rs80 million, with diamond and gold sets forming the bulk of the expenditure.
Makeup, entertainment, and photography contributed Rs30 million, while invitations, guest gifts, and consultancy services cost approximately Rs28 million.
Sources said additional luxuries such as cinematic video shoots, drone shows, fireworks, and customised gifts inflated costs further. However, no taxes have been paid on these expenses, and the wealth used to finance them remains unaccounted for.
Officials reportedly believe that most services were paid in cash to avoid invoices and formal records, a tactic often used to evade scrutiny. The bride’s multiple international trips to Canada, the UK, Mexico, and the UAE have also raised questions.
Tax authorities say the case reflects how luxury spending by elites often remains outside the tax net, fuelling a parallel economy.
