FBR Blocks Over 3,600 SIMs of Non-Filers Across Pakistan

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken action, blocking over 3,600 SIM cards belonging to non-filers across Pakistan. Sources indicate that FBR is daily providing data of 50,000 non-filers to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Telecom companies have received lists of non-filers from FBR, with PTA also getting a roster of 566,671 individuals. SIM cards of non-filers will gradually be blocked in small groups, as per Income Tax General Rules 114B.

A joint working group has expressed concerns over the SIM blocking process, as the FBR and telecom operators had previously agreed to block 5,000 SIMs daily. Earlier, telecom companies cited legal complexities in implementing FBR directives, particularly concerning 506,000 identified non-compliant taxpayers.

On April 30, FBR issued an income tax general order, calling for the blocking of SIM cards belonging to over 506,000 identified non-compliant taxpayers nationwide.

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