Telecoms To Send Alerts, Block 5000 SIMs Daily

Telecom companies have agreed to initiate the closely monitored process of blocking SIM cards belonging to non-filers following a weeklong deadlock with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The government’s decision to crack down on tax evaders aims to broaden the tax base. This move comes after multiple discussions involving the FBR, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and telecom operators to enforce Income Tax General Order No. 1, issued under Section 114 B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

The FBR provided a list of 506,671 individuals who failed to file their tax returns for 2023, and their mobile phone SIM cards will face blocking as a penalty. Initially, telecom providers expressed objections to the decision, citing lack of readiness.

Read more: Check if your name is on FBR SIM Block list for 2024

The first batch of 5,000 non-filers has been forwarded to telecom operators for SIM card blocking, with subsequent batches to follow on a daily basis. Telecom operators have also commenced sending messages to non-filers to raise awareness about the impending SIM card blocking.

Earlier, the FBR identified millions of potential taxpayers who evade taxes and issued notices to them. Among these, over half a million individuals were selected for SIM card blockade based on criteria related to their taxable income declarations in previous years and non-filing for the tax year 2023.