FBR, telecom operators fail to reach consensus over SIM blocking of non-filers

ISLAMABAD: Following a meeting between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and telecom operators, both failed to reach consensus regarding the blocking mobile SIMs of identified non-filers nationwide,

Sources privy to the development said, the telecom companies refrained from providing assurances regarding the blocking of SIMs of 506,000 identified non-compliant taxpayers on the back of technical and operational obstacles alongside legal complexities.

Meanwhile, sources quoting FBR officials that they will hold another round of talks between mobile operators and authorities soon over the matter of blocking SIM cards of non-filers. However, the cellular mobile operators (CMOs) have not yet assured the implementation of FBR’s directives.

READ MORE: PTA rejects blocking of 500,000 non-filers SIMs

Earlier, in a letter written to FBR, the cellular mobile operators (CMOs) said that they were obligated to provide uninterrupted services to their customers except in the circumstances mentioned in the Telecom Act and applicable regulations; there are no instances wherein CMOs can disconnect or block the service of any customer.

Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also clarified that they are not legally bound to block SIMs and that blocking SIMs would also harm digitalization and the telecom economy. However, the PTA suggested FBR explore more options within the legal jurisdiction.

On May 1, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) released a list of 506,671 non-filers of income tax returns whose mobile phone SIMs would be blocked immediately by the PTA and all telecom operators.

The FBR issued an Income Tax General Order No. 01 of 2024 which said that the mobile SIMs for these individuals will stay blocked until restored by the FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue having authority over the person.

Non-filers of Income Tax returns can verify their names from the list of 50,6671 persons mentioned in Income Tax General Order No. 01 of 2024 available on the FBR website.