Double Shot, one of Lahore’s most prominent coffee chains, has had seven of its branches sealed by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) over alleged sales misreporting and electronic invoicing violations but the company is pushing back, calling itself a diligent taxpayer and saying the action came without warning.
In a statement shared with The Current, the company said that it has maintained documented monthly invoices with tax authorities since its inception. “We have been known in the industry as one of the highest taxpayers. This is reflected in our documented monthly invoices with the tax authorities,” the statement read.
The company said the closure blindsided them. “Regrettably, yesterday, all our premises were sealed without notice and proper deliberation”.
Double Shot added that the incident had pushed it to plan a support framework for smaller businesses. “We are now planning to set up a framework in the near future so that honest, taxpaying small businesses, with lesser infrastructure and resources do not have to take such hits,” the statement said.
Founder Ali Chughtai also addressed customers directly on social media, confirming that the premises had been sealed, promising to return to business. “We are not only law-abiding citizens but were working to make Pakistan a better place for everyone. Apologies for the inconvenience suffered and we hope that it lapses very soon. We look forward to hosting you again very very soon,” he said.
The sealing order, issued under Section 59A of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012, names the business registered under PNTN H053642. PRA alleged that the company bypassed the mandatory Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS) and under-declared its taxable sales.
Tax officers claimed to have found invoices being issued outside the EIMS framework despite the system being installed at the premises.
Invoices dated June 11, 2026 were also found to have been generated in violation of the system, which is designed to ensure real-time tax reporting.
A review of records revealed a mismatch between actual and declared sales, PRA said, adding that the company was “suppressing taxable turnover” and that such practices “deprive the government of legitimate revenue” and constitute willful non-compliance under provincial tax law.
All branches were ordered shut immediately and must remain closed until full compliance is ensured or for a maximum of one month, whichever comes earlier.
Fellow Lahore cafes rallied behind Double Shot on social media.
Third Culture Coffee wrote: “Comebacks are better than setbacks DS. If only our people knew how challenging it is to just to stay open. Keep up the good work Inshallah see you back in the battlefield tomorrow”.
Bodega Cult said: “Authorities forget how all that we do is for the people and a better city. We will keep the sandwiches pumping you keep the coffee flowing”.
Pit Stop Coffee posted: “Waiting for you to come back stronger”.
Purl Café added: “Wishing your team all the best moving forward. Challenges are part of everyday business journey, and we hope things work out positively.”
