RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Savour Foods, one of the well-known local food brands in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has come under discussion on social media over rising food prices, with customers questioning whether the popular restaurant remains affordable for middle-class families.
Over the past few days, posts and discussions have circulated online regarding the price of a basic pulao meal, with claims that a simple plate is now being sold for around Rs720. Customers have expressed concern that prices have increased significantly, making the once-popular affordable food option increasingly difficult for ordinary families.
The controversy has also extended to questions about taxation and sales receipts. Savour Foods has reportedly stated that it paid Rs1.73 billion in taxes for the 2025-26 financial year. However, the figure and its context have not been independently verified through publicly available tax records.
It is important to note that a company’s tax payment cannot be directly compared with the number of customers or the visible rush at its outlets to determine whether its declared income or tax liability is accurate. Tax liability depends on several factors, including taxable income, allowable expenses, applicable tax rates and the nature of different taxes.
At the same time, some customers have raised complaints online about receiving ordinary receipts rather than tax invoices at certain outlets. Similar customer reviews available online have also raised questions about varying tax charges on restaurant bills, although such individual reviews do not by themselves establish any violation.
The growing public discussion raises an important question: Are the sales, income declarations, tax returns and tax payments of large restaurant businesses being properly documented and monitored?
The relevant tax and regulatory authorities, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial revenue authorities, may need to examine such public complaints where evidence is available and determine whether businesses are complying with applicable tax and invoicing requirements.
For consumers, the issue is equally significant. With food prices rising across Pakistan, an establishment historically associated with affordable meals becoming increasingly expensive could put additional pressure on middle-class households.
Savour Foods has a long-standing presence in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with multiple outlets serving large numbers of customers.
The company should also be given an opportunity to clarify the Rs1.73 billion tax figure, its applicable tax components, current menu pricing and its policy regarding tax invoices. A transparent response from both the company and relevant authorities could help address public concerns and prevent unverified claims from spreading on social media.