GSMA Opposes Blocking SIMs of non Filers

The debate has been ongoing regarding the blocking of over 500,000 SIMS of nonfilers. The national telecom regulator Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom operators have already opposed the decision. Lately, GSMA has also opposed the blocking of SIMS of non-filers. As you may already know, GSMA is an international organization that represents the interests of telecom operators globally.

In a letter written to the Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khwaja, GSMA expressed its reservations over the FBR’s decision to block the SIMs of non-filers. The association opined that the decision could affect citizens and businesses. Moreover, it said that the decision would hamper Pakistan’s digital transformation and violate the economic rights of the citizens.

The blocking of SIMs will also affect Pakistan’s digitalization efforts and discourage foreign investment. Furthermore, blocking SIMs will disrupt digital services such as banking, e-commerce, remittances, financial assistance, etc, GSMA added.

The Association further said that a balanced approach should be taken to ensure tax collection while also guaranteeing access to mobile services. Therefore, a viable solution should be found that is beneficial for citizens and supports Pakistan’s digital progress.

The Association said that steps like the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) may have undesirable repercussions, especially for vulnerable segments of the population.

GSMA stressed that mobile services are a basic right of every citizen, particularly for women, and children who use it for educational purposes and seek emergency assistance during disasters and climate change events.