In cash-strapped Pakistan, a senior government officer’s daughter’s extravagant wedding costing an estimated Rs248 million has sparked outrage over the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy and their minimal tax contributions.
According to official sources, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has flagged the high-profile event, which featured six grand functions. Despite the opulent spending, neither the officer nor his daughter declared any such expenditure in their tax returns, and no record of applicable taxes was found.
The expenses read more like a film budget than a family celebration. Around Rs40 million went into decoration and venues, while catering for 400 guests at six events cost Rs30 million. Designer outfits for the bride, groom, and close relatives totaled Rs30 million.
The most striking expense was Rs80 million worth of diamond and gold jewelry. Makeup, styling, entertainment, and photography added Rs30 million, while invitations, gifts, and creative consultancy accounted for another Rs28 million.
Adding to the extravagance were drone-shot cinematic videos, fireworks, drone light shows, multi-course gourmet menus, handcrafted invitations, and personalized gifts.
Sources said most vendors were paid in cash without invoices, a common tactic to avoid tax scrutiny. The bride’s frequent foreign travel to Canada, the UK, Mexico, and the UAE further highlighted the mismatch between declared income and lifestyle.
Tax officials called the case a prime example of systemic tax evasion. They said lavish weddings, foreign trips, and luxury spending by the wealthy often remain undocumented, feeding into a hidden economy beyond the state’s reach.
