The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has sealed several branches of the popular coffee chain Double Shot in Lahore over allegations of under-reporting sales and violating electronic invoicing regulations.
According to an official order reviewed by ProPakistani, the enforcement action was taken under Section 59A of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. The PRA alleged that the business, registered under PNTN H053642, bypassed the mandatory Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS) and failed to accurately report its taxable sales.
Tax officials said that despite the EIMS being installed at the company’s outlets, invoices were allegedly issued outside the system. The authority further claimed that invoices dated June 11, 2026, were generated in violation of the real-time monitoring mechanism designed to ensure transparent tax reporting.
The PRA stated that such practices deprive the government of legitimate tax revenue and amount to willful non-compliance with provincial tax laws.
A review of the company’s records also allegedly revealed discrepancies between actual sales and the figures declared in tax returns. According to the authority, Double Shot suppressed taxable turnover and under-reported revenue in its official filings.
Branches Sealed by PRA
As part of the enforcement operation, the following Double Shot outlets were ordered to shut down immediately:
- Gulberg
- Falcon Complex, Cantt
- C Block, Model Town
- DHA Phase 6
- Lalak Jan Chowk, DHA Phase 2
- Pine Avenue
- Dolmen Mall
The PRA directed that these branches remain sealed until the business ensures full compliance with tax regulations or for a maximum period of one month, whichever occurs first.
Double Shot Founder Responds
Double Shot founder Ali Chughtai acknowledged the temporary closure through a statement shared on social media, assuring customers that operations would resume soon.
“We are not only law-abiding citizens but were working to make Pakistan a better place for everyone. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and hope this matter is resolved very soon,” he said.
He added that the company would continue updating customers and looked forward to welcoming them back in the near future.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion on social media, where users have been sharing both the PRA’s closure notice and the company’s response.
Authorities have yet to announce a final decision beyond the current enforcement action, while further inquiries into the matter are expected.
