On Friday, telecom operators agreed to manually block SIMs for non-filers in stages, resolving a week-long tax regulation deadlock.
This followed key FBR, PTA, and telecom companies meeting about implementing Income Tax General Order No. 1.
On April 30, FBR identified 506,671 non-filers facing SIM blocking as a penalty. Telecom providers initially resisted due to its legislative basis.
After extensive talks, telecom firms will start manual blocking in stages. The first batch of 5,000 non-filers was notified on Friday. This will continue daily until automation is complete.
Telecom operators also started notifying affected users via text messages.
These measures are part of FBR’s broader efforts with PTA and telecom companies to enforce compliance and streamline tax collection.
FBR is working to integrate 2.4 million potential taxpayers who are not on tax rolls. Over 500,000 individuals who had declared income but didn’t file for 2023 were chosen for SIM blocking.
By March 1, FBR’s Active Taxpayers List showed 4.2 million taxpayers, up from 3.8 million the previous year. In tax year 2022, FBR received 5.9 million returns, indicating growth in tax filings.
FBR values the cooperation of all involved and looks forward to continuing this partnership to enhance tax compliance in Pakistan.
