FBR to Block 500,000 SIM Cards of Tax Defaulters After Eid
By
April 13, 2024
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is taking big steps to make people pay taxes in Pakistan. They’re planning to block about 500,000 SIM cards of people who haven’t paid their taxes properly. This move aims to stop tax evasion and make more people pay taxes.
The FBR is working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to find these people. They’ve already sent notices to them. The decision to block SIM cards is allowed by the Income Tax Law 2023. This law says the FBR can stop mobile, electricity, and gas services for people who don’t pay taxes.
This plan will start after Eidul Fitr, giving people time to fix their tax problems. The FBR is serious about this and has issued an Income Tax General Order (IGTO) after Eid. They’ll start with blocking 500,000 SIM cards first, instead of the initial plan of 2 million, to avoid big disruptions. They’ll adjust based on feedback.
The FBR is working with telecom companies to make sure this process goes smoothly and doesn’t cause problems with phone services. This move also aims to increase tax returns and improve Pakistan’s financial situation.
