Into the net

This letter refers to the news report ‘Rich individuals flaunting lifestyle on social media on FBR’s radar’ (September 21, 2025). According to the report, the FBR has decided to go after those involved in massive mis-declaration of their assets and income. So far, only 1,100 individuals and 100 individuals have filed declarations stating net worth of Rs1 billion or more and Rs3 billion or more, respectively. Accordingly, social media monitoring has been started to identify all those showing off their wealth. This seems a prudent decision.

I truly hope that the FBR will implement this strategy with a proper action plan and use AI, human intelligence and all possible tools of modus operandi to identify more and more potential tax-payers and bring them into the net. Those who have access to public services and income above a certain level have to file taxes. This is the rule right around the world and it should rightly be the FBR’s motto.

Abbas R Siddiqi

Lahore