By Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday released a statement regarding the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) directive to block mobile phone SIMs of over 500,000 non-filers.
In its statement, PTA said that it is “currently deliberating on the recent decision made by FBR.” It added that they are engaged with CMOs and concerned stakeholders on this matter.
“Our foremost objective is to uphold compliance within regulatory framework and relevant legal provisions while safeguarding the interests of telecom consumers,” PTA said.
The regulator further added that any progress/ updates on the matter will be conveyed accordingly. It should be noted that FBR on Tuesday had directed the PTA and telecom operators to block 506,671 SIM cards of non-filers.
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An Income Tax General Order was issued to deactivate the SIM cards of individuals “who are not appearing on the active taxpayer list but are required to file the Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 ”.
The FBR stated that SIM cards of such individuals “will remain blocked until restored by the FBR or the Inland Revenue commissioner having jurisdiction over them.”
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