ISLAMABAD: Three major telecom companies have so far blocked 11,252 mobile SIMs — out of an expected 506,671 — belonging to non-filers in order to enforce a law that allows stoppage of service to individuals who do not comply with the country’s tax laws.

While Telenor, Ufone, and Jazz started blocking the SIMs, a fourth firm — Zong — had moved the Islamabad High Court against the Income Tax General Order No 1 (ITGO-No1) seeking a stay against its implementation.

The court restrained the federal government from taking any coercive action against the petitioner cellular operator, but it did not issue any stay to stop the blocking of non-filers’ SIMs.

The hearing will now resume on June 5.

FBR says SIM cards will be activated 24 hours after tax returns are filed

As of May 22, Telenor Pakistan blocked 6,870 SIMs, followed by 3,382 by Ufone, while Jazz blocked 1,000 SIMs.

Zong did not notify any blockages to the FBR as of May 22.

According to the FBR, the unblocking of SIMs was tied to the submission of tax returns for year 2023.

The FBR stated that those who file tax returns will have their SIM cards activated within 24 hours.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024