The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Thursday that it is considering the Federal Bureau of Revenue’s (FBR) decision to block 500,000 SIMs of non-filers due to tax evasion that has drained the country of cash. It has badly affected the economy.
Tax Evasion
“We are in discussions with the cellular mobile operators and concerned stakeholders on this issue,” a statement issued by the PTA said.
Asserting that any developments on the said matter will be communicated accordingly, the regulator highlighted that it aims to ensure compliance within the regulatory framework and relevant legal provisions while protecting the interests of telecom consumers. To be sure.
The PTA’s statement follows the FBR’s announcement to block SIMs of those who are not included in the list of active taxpayers but have filed income tax returns for the tax year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. are responsible for
A day earlier, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) had also said that it was “diligently examining the order within the applicable legal and regulatory framework”.
Terming the move as a “strategic step”, the FBR had said that the non-filers could get their mobile phone SIMs restored by filing their tax return for the year 2023.
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With the compliance report set to be furnished to the FBR on May 15, the tax collection body has asked the PTA and all telecom operators to ensure compliance with the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) with immediate effect.