FBR enforces nationwide digital monitoring for hotels, clinics and leisure clubs

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Federal Board of Revenue has mandated online monitoring and compulsory Point of Sale (POS) integration across more than 14 business sectors in a major push to digitise tax compliance nationwide.

The move broadens the tax authority’s digital surveillance framework and signals stricter enforcement in key urban centres. Officials say the initiative is designed to enhance transparency and curb tax evasion across service and retail industries.

According to the official notification, hotels, restaurants, guest houses, marriage halls, marquees and race clubs have been directed to connect their sales systems with the FBR’s central database. However, facilities operating without air-conditioning have been granted exemption from the requirement.

The directive also extends to a wide range of healthcare services. Dentists, physiotherapists, plastic surgeons, hair transplant clinics, veterinary doctors, medical laboratories and diagnostic centres offering X-ray, CT and MRI scans must now adopt the POS framework. Private hospitals have been included as well, though those charging consultation fees below Rs500 are exempt.

Beauty and wellness businesses have likewise been brought under the digital regime. Beauty parlours, massage centres and pedicure services are required to integrate their transactions with the tax authority’s system as part of the broader documentation drive.

Clubs and recreational facilities are another major focus area. Health clubs, gyms, swimming pools, multipurpose clubs, civil and non-civil polo clubs, gymkhanas and similar venues must comply with the new rules. The FBR has indicated that implementation will be particularly strict in major cities including Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

Beyond the service sector, the notification makes full online integration mandatory for retailers, manufacturers and importers. Foreign exchange dealers and currency exchange companies have also been directed to install POS systems.

Private educational institutions and vocational training centres fall within the scope of the order, although institutes charging monthly fees of up to Rs1,000 have been exempted.

Officials maintain that the expanded POS regime is intended to bring a broader segment of the economy into the documented sector by ensuring real-time reporting of sales and services to the tax authority.