In a crackdown on tax evasion, FBR has blocked over 230,000 SIM cards belonging to individuals who haven’t filed their income tax returns.
FBR is working swiftly, sharing data with telecom operators in batches of 5,000 non-filers daily. This move has prompted over 76,000 citizens to file their tax returns and regain access to their mobile services.
To streamline the process, a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprised of tax officials and telecom representatives was established in May 2024. This collaboration enforces the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) No. 1 of 2024, which authorizes the blocking of SIMs for non-compliance.
The initiative began on May 20th, with leading telecom operators actively blocking non-filer SIMs. This action highlights the FBR’s commitment to expanding the tax net and promoting tax compliance in Pakistan.
