Blocking of non-filers SIM cards: PTCL reviewing FBR’s directives

ISLAMABAD: After the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ordered blocking SIM cards of over 0.5 million non-filers, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) said that it is “diligently examining this order within the applicable legal and regulatory framework”.

A spokesperson for the PTCL said in a statement that the company was “closely monitoring” the recent directives from the country’s top tax collection body to block SIM cards linked to around 0.5 million computerised national identity cards (CNICs) categorised as non-tax filers.

This matter is of utmost importance to us, and we are diligently examining this order within the applicable legal and regulatory framework, the statement read.

FBR to block mobile SIM cards of non-filers

“Our priority is to ensure compliance with the applicable legal provisions, while safeguarding the interests of the concerned consumers,” it added.

The company said that it was in close coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address the issue effectively and responsibly.

The federal government has directed the telecom authority and the other telecom companies to block mobile phone SIMs of over 500,000 non-filers, in a robust action against tax evaders amid the prevailing financial crisis facing the cash-strapped country.

The FBR asked the PTA and all telecom operators to ensure compliance with the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) with immediate effect, besides making public the names of 506,671 non-filers.

“The mobile SIMs in respect of the above-mentioned individuals will remain blocked until restored by FBR or the Commissioner Inland Revenue having jurisdiction of the person,” the FBR added, terming it a “strategic step” to show commitment to tax compliance among taxpayers.

Additionally, the tax collection body also sought a compliance report on May 15.