An FBR representative stated that they were discussing the matter with the pertinent parties and mobile phone providers. They went on to say that their goal was to act while keeping in mind the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
The spokeswoman continued, “Any developments on the matter will be announced.”
Notably, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued an order on Tuesday prohibiting consumers who fail to file income taxes in Pakistan from using their mobile SIM cards. In response to tax return non-filers, the bureau issued an Income Tax General Order and mandated the blocking of mobile SIMs.
This move comes after the government decided to take harsh measures against those who have not paid their fair share of taxes. With immediate effect, all individual SIM cards identified as non-filers with taxable income will be blocked until May 15.
This decision was communicated through a notification issued by the FBR, with instructions given to telecom companies to implement the measure promptly.
The list of non-filers comprises 506,671 individuals who have not been included in the Active Taxpayers List. These individuals have been targeted for their failure to file tax returns for the year 2023.
