Bureaucrat spends over Rs248 million on daughter's lavish wedding

At a time when Pakistan is grappling with economic woes, a recent wedding has drawn sharp attention to the country’s widening wealth gap and chronic tax evasion. The marriage of a senior bureaucrat’s daughter has been estimated by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to have cost around Rs248 million, according to a newspaper report.

Officials said that they found no corresponding disclosures in the tax returns of either the official or his daughter, despite the extraordinary spending. Nor were any applicable taxes paid on the events themselves.

The expense sheet resembled a film production more than a family celebration. Venue decoration and arrangements alone cost Rs40 million. Catering for roughly 400 guests at six extravagant events added Rs30 million, while outfits for the bride, groom, and close relatives from renowned South Asian designers came to Rs35 million.

The single largest cost was jewellery, diamond and gold sets collectively valued at Rs80 million. Makeup, entertainment, styling, and photography amounted to another Rs30 million, while invitations, guest souvenirs, and creative consultants brought the tally up by Rs28 million. Altogether, the final bill exceeded Rs248 million.

The extravagance went beyond figures on paper. Guests were treated to drone-filmed cinematic videos, fireworks and light shows, gourmet multi-course meals, handcrafted invitations, and customised gift packages.

Despite the opulence, tax officials report that no declarations were made to justify the spending, and the origins of the funds remain unaccounted for. According to sources, most vendors were paid in cash, leaving no invoices or paper trail — a tactic often used to sidestep scrutiny.

The bride’s extensive travel abroad — including trips to Canada, the UK, Mexico, and the UAE — further underscores a lifestyle that investigators say is inconsistent with reported income.