LAHORE – Beauty clinics have been raking in crores every year in major cities like Lahore and Karachi, and their booming profits, many of these clinics have been quietly evading taxes until now.
The disclosure came during a high-level meeting chaired by Mostam Iqbal, Chairman of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA). Determined to bring these lucrative businesses into the tax net, officials decided to intensify the operations of survey teams. All divisional commissioners have been instructed to complete surveys and ensure registration of beauty clinics by December.
A spokesperson for the authority warned that, despite generating huge annual revenues, many beauty clinics continue to avoid contributing to the government treasury. During the survey process, all clinics will be formally registered and integrated into the E-IMM (E-Information Management) system to ensure complete tracking and compliance.
To tackle the shortage of enforcement officers, the PRA is deploying additional personnel in the field. Moreover, a dedicated cell will be expanded to monitor the performance of officers and staff digitally, ensuring accountability. Digital tracking will also target operators who delay or fail to pay taxes.
To modernize authority, efforts are underway to amend laws and revamp the administrative structure, aiming to bring Punjab Revenue Authority to modern, efficient standards.
With crores of rupees at stake and a crackdown already in motion, beauty clinic operators across the province are under unprecedented scrutiny, signaling a new era of accountability in Punjab’s booming wellness and beauty sector.
On the other hand, Pakistan Medical Association opposed government’s plan to install Point of Sale (POS) machines in clinics charging Rs 500 or more for consultations, arguing that healthcare is a professional service, not a commercial activity.
The association warned that the move would raise operational costs for clinics, likely impacting patients already facing high healthcare expenses. The matter has been taken to the High Court, while discussions continue in federal forums, with stakeholders like the Lahore Chamber of Commerce reportedly consulted. Officials have yet to release minutes from recent interdepartmental meetings, leaving clarity on the government’s stance pending.
