Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to block the SIM cards of nearly 2 million individuals involved in tax evasion, in compliance with orders from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sources revealed that the FBR chairman has approved the blocking of SIM cards for tax evaders and has instructed relevant officials accordingly.
Approximately 1.8 million tax evaders have been identified by the FBR. Additionally, the FBR has been granted authority to disconnect electricity connections in addition to blocking SIM cards for those who have not filed their taxes.
Furthermore, 145 district tax officers across the country have been empowered with special powers in this regard. Action will be taken under Section 114-B against non-filers and tax evaders.
Sources also mentioned that the FBR had previously issued notices to these individuals, but despite this, tax returns were still not filed. After thorough discussions among authorities, the decision to block SIM cards has been finalized.
Earlier in January, it was reported that the nationwide crackdown against non-filers by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was ‘delayed’ due to ‘legal issues’.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that the action was being postponed due to the incomplete Income Tax General Order, as the FBR may face legal challenges in court.
The IMF’s initiative to issue notices to hundreds of thousands of non-filers is part of a broader strategy to enhance tax compliance in Pakistan.
