Process to block SIMS of non-filers starts

ISLAMABAD: An agreement has been reached between Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block SIMs of non-filers, after which 5000 mobile phone SIMs will be blocked on a daily basis.

In this regard, the details of first batch of  5000 non-filers have been given to telecom operators, who  have started sending alerts to consumers who will face SIM blockage action.

The SIMs will be blocked in batches of 5000 and details of non-filers will be sent to telecom operators on a daily basis.

GSMA expresses concern over FBR’s order to block SIMs of non-filers

The FBR is seeking blockage of over half a million SIMs being used by people who failed to file tax returns. It reportedly wants to expand the number to over one million in the next phase.

FBR has identified 2.4 million potential taxpayers who did not exist on the tax rolls. Notices were subsequently issued to these individuals. The FBR has selected over 0.5 million individuals out of the 2.4m for SIM blockade based on one criterion: they must have declared taxable income in one of the past three years and these individuals did not file their returns for tax year 2023.

According to the Active Taxpayers List (ATL), the FBR received 4.2m taxpayers until March 1, as against 3.8m returns received over the corresponding period of last year. It shows a marginal increase during the period under review.