FBR gets govt's nod to block mobile SIMs of over 500,000 tax evaders

To combat tax evasion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken significant steps by blocking mobile phone SIM cards of individuals who haven't filed their taxes nationwide.

This initiative aligns with the Pakistan government's determination to address the issue of tax non-compliance.

Immediate action has been initiated, with the SIM cards of all non-filers identified with taxable income set to be deactivated until May 15.

The FBR's decision was conveyed through an official notification, directing telecom companies to promptly execute the directive.

The list of non-filers encompasses 506,671 individuals absent from the Active Taxpayers List, targeted due to their failure to submit tax returns for the year 2023.

Moreover, the FBR has stressed that the process to reinstate mobile SIMs for non-filers won't be simple. Restoration requests will necessitate approval from either the FBR or the relevant commissioner.

Reports indicate that this represents the initial phase of the FBR's strategy against tax evasion. With data compiled for over 2 million individuals, additional non-filers could face similar consequences in subsequent phases.

It's important to highlight that the FBR also holds the authority to disconnect electricity connections of non-filers, bolstering enforcement efforts to ensure comprehensive tax compliance.