The Pakistani government is exploring significant financial penalties for telecom and utility companies that fail to cooperate with tax enforcement measures. This comes amidst efforts to incentivize cooperation from these companies, who play a crucial role in identifying and reaching non-filing taxpayers. Sources familiar with the matter revealed a proposed penalty of Rs. 100 million per instance of default for the implementing agency.
Previously considered measures like disabling mobile phone SIM cards and discontinuing utility connections for non-filers appear to be part of a broader strategy. New proposals reportedly include restricting non-filers from traveling abroad and imposing a steep 75% tax on mobile phone calls made by them.
The government hopes these measures, including the potential for hefty fines on telecom and utility companies, will encourage greater cooperation and ultimately lead to an increase in tax collection.
