Telecom companies in Pakistan have blocked 11,252 mobile SIM cards. This targets non-filers of tax returns. The goal is to enforce tax laws.
Three major companies took action. Telenor blocked 6,870 SIMs. Ufone blocked 3,382 SIMs. Jazz blocked 1,000 SIMs. Zong has not blocked any SIMs.
Zong took a different path. The China Mobile Pakistan (Zong) went to the Islamabad High Court.
They challenged the Income Tax General Order No 1. They wanted to stop SIM blockages. The court gave a partial ruling.
The government cannot act against Zong, but non-filers’ SIMs still get blocked. The next hearing is on June 5.
The FBR, Pakistan’s tax authority, explains the process. They will unblock SIMs after tax returns get filed. It takes 24 hours to activate a SIM after filing.
Tax Non-Compliance? Here’s How to Unblock Your Blocked SIM
Blocked SIMs caused many issues. Non-filers want their SIMs back. Two ways exist to restore blocked SIMs. The first way is to call the FBR helpline.
They verify the tax return. After verification, the SIM gets unblocked in 48 hours. The second way is to visit the tax office. Non-filers inform the tax office about the return. The office then restores the SIM.
The FBR has a clear stance. Blocked SIMs stay blocked until FBR or the tax office restores them. Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 supports this.
The Commissioner or Board can order the restoration. They need to confirm that the return got filed or the person was not liable.
To read our blog on “FBR directs PTA & Telcos to block 0.5M non-filers’ SIM cards,” click here