Lavish Rs25 Crore wedding of bureaucrat’s daughter sparks public outrage

ISLAMABAD: The wedding of a senior bureaucrat’s daughter has sparked outrage, highlighting the stark divide between the elite and the lower classes as the country grapples with economic hardship.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has estimated the cost of a wedding at Rs248 million. Officials revealed that neither the bureaucrat nor his daughter reported such lavish spending in their tax returns, nor did they pay any tax on the days of extravagance. The celebrations resembled a blockbuster film production rather than a family event.

The venue decorations alone cost Rs40 million, while catering for around 400 guests at six functions cost an additional Rs30 million. Designer outfits for the bride, groom and close relatives cost Rs35 million.

The single biggest expense was jewellery, with a diamond and gold set costing Rs80 million. Makeup, entertainment, styling, and photography accounted for another Rs30 million, while invitations, guest mementos, and creative consulting added a total of more than Rs248 million.

Guests were treated to spectacular fireworks and light shows, gourmet multi-course meals, handcrafted treats, and customized gift packages, highlighting the sheer extravagance of the event.

Despite the spectacle, tax authorities have not filed any income tax returns to justify the expenses, and the origin of the funds is unclear. Most vendors were paid in cash, leaving no paper trail, a common tactic to avoid scrutiny. The bride’s extensive overseas travels, including trips to Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, further fueled the furor.