Mobile SIMs blocked by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will be restored by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue responsible for the jurisdiction of the non-filer of income tax returns.
In cases where non-filers have submitted their tax returns after their SIMs were blocked, they can have their SIMs restored through two methods.
The simpler method is to notify the FBR via its helpline that the tax return has been filed. After verification, the blocked SIM will be restored within 48 hours. Alternatively, they can contact the Commissioner of Inland Revenue at the Regional Tax Office that has jurisdiction over their income tax returns.
The non-filer should visit the relevant tax office where they are registered and inform them about the filing of their return to restore their mobile phone SIM.
According to the FBR, the mobile SIMs of these individuals will remain blocked until restored by the FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue with jurisdiction over the person.
Under Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, the Board or the Commissioner with jurisdiction may order the restoration of mobile phones, mobile phone SIMs, and connections of electricity and gas if they are satisfied that (a) the return has been filed, or (b) the person was not required to file a return under the provisions of the Ordinance.
