As the government intensifies efforts to address economic challenges amidst a financial crunch, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) plans to block 500,000 SIMs belonging to non-filers and under-filers, according to sources.
Following an Income Tax General Order (IGTO) to be issued after Eid-ul-Fitr, the FBR will execute the blocking, already making necessary arrangements. This move aligns with the agency’s aim to broaden the tax net, as granted additional powers last year under Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
Consultations with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have been held to identify 400,000 SIMs of under-filers and 100,000 SIMs of non-filers. The action aims to curb alleged tax evasion, with SIM blocking expected by April 2024.
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Despite identifying two million potential tax evaders, only 0.5 million SIMs will be blocked initially due to telecom companies’ feasibility concerns. The move follows a decline in income tax returns from 5.9 million in tax year 2022 to 4.2 million in tax year 2023.
Additionally, the government initiated the Tajir Dost Scheme to register traders, targeting wholesalers, dealers, and retailers, among others, to expand the tax base. Traders failing to register by the April 30 deadline will face penalties under section 182 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.