More than 7,000 SIMs have been ‘unblocked’ after tax returns filed.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan has reinstated over 7,000 SIM cards after their owners paid their taxes.
This development follows the FBR’s earlier action of blocking more than 11,000 SIM cards due to non-payment of taxes.
According to FBR sources, a total of 7,167 SIMs have been unblocked, signaling a positive response from taxpayers.
The FBR has shared data of 65,000 non-filers with telecommunications companies and compiled a comprehensive list of over 500,000 individuals who have yet to file their tax returns.
Also read: New Biometric system launched to curb fake sim cards in Pakistan
This crackdown is part of the FBR’s broader strategy to enforce tax compliance amidst the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties and rising cost of living.
The FBR reported a decrease in income tax returns from 5.9 million in the tax year 2022 to 4.2 million by March 2024 for the tax year 2023, reflecting a significant drop in compliance.
7167 sims were reinstated, while #FBR has shared 65,000 tax-non-filler data to block their sim cards. pic.twitter.com/o3VdMvq3KI
— Sajjad Kazmi (@sajjadkazmi946) May 29, 2024
Under Section 114 (B) of the Income Tax Law 2023, the FBR is empowered to issue general orders to compel non-compliant individuals to file their tax returns.
This provision allows the FBR to target those who are liable to file but are not on the active taxpayers’ list.
As the government prepares to announce the next national budget, discussions are underway to set a tax revenue target exceeding Rs12.5 trillion.
