FBR Blocks SIM Cards of 9,000 Non-Filers

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has blocked more than 9,000 SIM cards belonging to non-filers. An FBR spokesperson said that the FBR held a meeting with telecom companies to inform them about this decision.

The spokesperson explained that blocking the SIM cards of non-filers is a decision made by Parliament, and the government’s decision must be followed by all concerned departments.

It is pertinent to mention that Islamabad High Court (IHC) had ordered to stop blocking SIM cards of non-filers earlier. However, the court’s decision did not stop the government from proceeding with its plan.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said it is not involved in blocking these SIM cards. The regulator had earlier refused blocking of SIM cards of non-filers are talking with telecom companies.

Yesterday, 3,500 SIM cards of non-filers were also blocked. The FBR spokesperson stated that about 3,500 SIM cards were blocked by two telecom companies, but the SIM cards of those who file their returns will be restored immediately.

One telecom company has obtained a stay order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). However, the IHC clarified that the stay order only protects the petitioner and does not stop the blocking of non-filers’ SIM cards. Chief Justice Amir Farooq Malik heard the case against the government’s decision.

The federal government has also filed a petition to lift the stay order against mobile network companies. The court promised to speed up the case proceedings and adjourned the hearing until June.

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