The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has opposed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) proposal to block SIM cards of over 500,000 tax non-filers.
In a formal letter, the PTA communicated that such an action would conflict with their operational systems.
The PTA highlighted that many mobile SIMs registered under men’s names are used by women and noted that there are no current restrictions on issuing new SIMs to non-filers. They raised concerns about the procedures for reinstating SIM cards once individuals comply with tax requirements.
Read: FBR Blocks Over 500,000 SIM Cards of Non-Filers
The authority emphasized that it is not legally obligated to block SIMs. They warned that doing so could negatively impact digitalization efforts and the telecom economy.
Instead of blocking SIMs, the PTA advised the FBR to consider alternative measures within legal bounds.
This recommendation followed an income tax general order issued by the FBR on April 30, targeting more than 506,000 identified taxpayers who had not complied with filing requirements. These individuals can file income tax returns but remain absent from the FBR’s Active Tax Payer List.
Read: PTA to Review FBR’s Decision on Blocking Non-Compliant Taxpayers’ SIMs
An FBR spokesperson pointed out that these taxpayers had neglected their fiscal duties despite eligibility. The FBR has taken steps to warn non-compliant taxpayers about the potential for their SIM cards to be blocked if they continue to evade filing their returns.
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