A top telecom company has informed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that it has blocked 3,064 SIMs of non-filers, expressing concerns about potential litigation with the tax department.
The telecom operator communicated to the FBR that due to the enforcement of the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) ahead of the specified deadline of May 15, 2024, and considering system limitations and associated automation costs, compliance is being made under protest. The operator also highlighted potential litigation and undue financial burdens.
Last month, the FBR issued an Income Tax General Order (ITGO) to deactivate mobile phone SIMs of over 0.5 million individuals not on the active taxpayer list but obligated to file Income Tax Returns for Tax Year 2023.
Following a few delays, on May 10, telecom operators consented to commence manual SIM blocking in small batches.
