FBR to block sims of tax evaders

Islamabad: The Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has decided to block 500,000 sims of tax evaders and in this regard, preparations for identification of 400,000 under-filers and non-filers have been completed and Income Tax General Order (IGTO) will be issued after Eid-ul-Fitr, reportedly.

According to the media reports quoting top government sources, the FBR will issue an IGTO after Eid as it has identified 400,000 uder-filers in consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Preparations have been made for those who have not bothered to file their returns despite having taxable income.

FBR has information about their transactions and notices were sent to them but they have not filed their returns. There will be 100,000 non-filers identified through FBR's Broadening to Tax Base (BTB) and their sims will also be blocked.

“We have finalized the details of this tough action against alleged tax evaders and their mobile phone sims will be blocked by April 2024,” a senior official said.

It is also reported that the FBR has identified two million potential tax evaders, but mobile companies have complained that they cannot afford to block such a large number of sims.

The decision has been finalized after detailed discussions between FBR, PTA and telecom operators that 500,0000 sims will be blocked in the first phase to send a clear message that FBR is serious about taking action against potential tax evaders.

The FBR has powers to block phone sims and disconnect other utility services like electricity and gas connections of potential tax evaders.