FBR to start blocking mobile SIMs of tax non-filers from today

Over half a million SIM cards that are being used by persons who haven’t filed their taxes are being blocked, according to the FBR.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expedited its efforts to enforce income tax general order that involves action against non-filers, especially the blockage of their mobile phone SIMs.

FBR representatives met with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom companies, deciding to block SIM cards provided to those who neglected to file tax returns even though they were required to, to prevent this from happening.

It has emerged that emails alerting non-filers to the possibility of disabling their SIMs have been sent out, which is a noteworthy move. Telcos have begun notifying customers who experience SIM blockage action.

According to the sources, the operators have received the information about blocking 5,000 SIM cards, and the SIMs would be disabled in stages.

For several days, the telcos and FBR had meetings. Before this, the Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan had refuted reports that it had reached a deal with the Federal Board of Revenue to prevent non-filers SIMs from being blocked.

Over half a million SIM cards that are being used by persons who haven’t filed their taxes are being blocked, according to the FBR.

In the following phase, it hopes to increase the number to over a million. Nonetheless, telecom carriers contend that the country’s current legal framework does not permit SIM blocking, depriving citizens of a basic right.