PTCL Assures Consumers: Safeguarding Your Interests Post FBR’s SIM Disabling Order

PTCL has assured consumers that it will prioritize safeguarding their interests following the Federal Board of Revenue’s recent decision to block over half a million SIM cards belonging to non-filers as part of its strategic measures for tax compliance. In a statement, a spokesperson for PTCL emphasized that the company is closely monitoring the recent directives issued by FBR regarding the blocking of SIM cards associated with approximately 0.5 million CNICs classified as non-tax filers.

The statement emphasized the importance of the matter to PTCL, stating that they are thoroughly examining the order within the bounds of the applicable legal and regulatory framework. It underscored the company’s commitment to ensuring compliance with relevant legal provisions while prioritizing the protection of the affected consumers’ interests. Additionally, PTCL highlighted its collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address the issue effectively and responsibly.

The federal government’s directive to PTA and other telecom companies to block over 500,000 mobile phone SIMs of non-filers represents a significant move against tax evasion amidst the country’s ongoing financial challenges. The FBR instructed the PTA and telecom operators to promptly enforce compliance with the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) and to publicly disclose the identities of the 506,671 non-filers.

FBR Directs PTA and Telcos To Block Over 500,000 SIMs of Non-filers

The FBR emphasized that the mobile SIMs linked to the individuals mentioned will remain blocked. It will be restored either by the FBR itself or by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, with jurisdiction over the respective person. This move is described as a strategic step to underscore the FBR’s dedication to tax compliance among taxpayers. Moreover, the FBR has requested a compliance report by May 15. Non-filers have the option to restore their mobile phone SIMs by filing their tax return for the year 2023.

It’s important to note that the tax collection body acquired enhanced authority last year to broaden the tax base. Under Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, it was empowered to disconnect utility services and block mobile SIM cards if individuals failed to file their tax returns in response to notices issued to them.