PTA Releases Statement After FBR’s Requests to Block SIMs of 500,000 Non-Filers

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) released a statement regarding the blocking of more than 500,000 mobile phone SIMs of non-filers at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

“PTA is currently deliberating on the recent decision made by FBR. We are engaged with CMOs and concerned stakeholders on this matter.” the regulator stated.

Their main goal is to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and protect the interests of telecom consumers. Updates on this matter will be provided as progress is made.

The FBR issued an Income Tax General Order (ITGO) on Tuesday, instructing the disabling of mobile phone SIMs for over 0.5 million individuals not listed as active taxpayers, aka non-filers, but required to file Income Tax Returns for Tax Year 2023.

The order mandated strict compliance from the PTA and all telecom operators, effective immediately. The FBR had previously identified approximately 2.4 million potential taxpayers, selecting 506,671 individuals for the initial SIM card-blocking procedure.

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