By ABDULLAH 
Senator Faisal Vawda has suggested that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should begin its crackdown on TikTokers and social media influencers in Punjab, where tax collections are expected to be the highest. His remarks came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, as lawmakers discussed Pakistan’s growing financial challenges.
This discussion follows reports that the FBR is preparing to launch a major crackdown on wealthy influencers who flaunt luxury lifestyles online. According to official sources, the tax authority has compiled data on nearly 100,000 individuals, most of them social media personalities and high-spending citizens, who may be living beyond their declared means.
The focus will be on non-filers and those who showcase extravagant spending — from lavish weddings and high-end cars to designer outfits and luxury homes. Officials say even individuals spotted wearing suits worth up to $20,000 at weddings could be brought into the tax net. They will be required to justify their wealth and declare the source of such income.
Tax officials confirmed that this year’s declared incomes will be cross-checked against last year’s filings. Any visible increase in lifestyle that is not reflected in tax returns will trigger an investigation. This move is part of the government’s broader effort to widen the tax base and reduce dependence on indirect taxes.
The committee was also briefed on a related legal development. The Director-General of Law from the President’s Secretariat revealed that the FBR had obtained a stay order from the Sindh High Court against a decision taken by the President. The FBR Chairman clarified that the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) had ruled the issue did not fall under its jurisdiction. However, since the matter was later taken up by the President of Pakistan, the FBR also sought legal guidance from the Attorney General.
The Senate committee agreed to wait for the Attorney General’s report before taking up the matter further.
Senator Vawda argued that beginning the crackdown in Punjab, the country’s most populous province, would allow the FBR to maximize collections quickly. He maintained that this would also send a strong message to social media personalities who display unchecked extravagance online.
If implemented, this crackdown could significantly impact Pakistan’s booming TikTok and Instagram influencer economy. Many young content creators rely on brand sponsorships, social media monetization, and paid collaborations. With stricter monitoring, they will now be required to declare earnings transparently and pay taxes accordingly.
Financial experts say the move could help formalize influencer earnings and improve tax compliance but may also discourage public displays of wealth.