The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) sealed several Double Shot branches across Lahore. Officials alleged the coffee chain under-reported taxable sales. Moreover, the authority accused the company of violating electronic invoicing regulations. The enforcement action followed an official order issued under provincial tax laws.
According to the order, the business allegedly bypassed the mandatory Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS). Tax officials claimed invoices were issued outside the approved system. Consequently, the alleged violations affected real-time tax reporting and compliance.
PRA Cites Sales Mismatch and Tax Reporting Issues
The sealing order was issued under Section 59A of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. Officials stated that invoices dated June 11, 2026 allegedly violated EIMS requirements. Furthermore, PRA claimed the business deprived the government of legitimate tax revenue through non-compliance.
A review of company records reportedly revealed differences between actual and declared sales. The authority alleged the company suppressed taxable turnover in official tax returns. Therefore, PRA ordered immediate enforcement action against multiple business locations.
The sealed branches include Gulberg, Falcon Complex Cantt, C Block Model Town, DHA Phase-6, Lalak Jan Chowk DHA Phase-2, Pine Avenue, and Dolmen Mall. The outlets will remain closed until compliance is ensured or for one month.
Founder Responds as Social Media Reacts
Double Shot founder Ali Chughtai confirmed the temporary closure through a social media statement. He said the branches would reopen very soon after resolving the matter. Additionally, he apologized to customers for the inconvenience caused.
Chughtai stated the company respects the law and remains committed to improving Pakistan. Meanwhile, social media users widely shared the sealing order and the founder’s response. However, authorities have not announced any final decision beyond the current enforcement action.
