ISLAMABAD : The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken strict action against non-filers by directing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom companies to block mobile phone SIMs for over 500,000 individuals. Here are the key points:
Who is Affected?
The FBR has identified 506,671 non-filers—people who haven’t filed their income tax returns despite having taxable income.
These non-filers are not part of the active taxpayer list.
The FBR issued an Income Tax General Order (ITGO) under section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.This order aims to disable mobile phone SIMs for non-filers.
How Long Will SIMs Remain Blocked?
The SIMs of non-filers will remain blocked until restored by the FBR or the Commissioner Inland Revenue with jurisdiction over the individual.
If you are among those affected, you can verify your name on the list by checking the Income Tax General Order No 01 of 2024, which is available on the FBR’s website
FBR SIM Block List: Check Online Here
Here is the complete list of 506,671 non-filers identified by the FBR, whose mobile SIMs are being blocked. (You can check if you’re on the list using your CNIC number.)
Compliance with this order is mandatory for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and all telecom operators.The compliance date for blocking the SIMs by telecom companies is May 15, 2024.
How to Unblock Your SIM Card?
If your SIM card has been blocked, you can unblock it by filing your Income Tax Return for the year 2023.
The SIM card will remain blocked until it is restored by either the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue with jurisdiction over your case.
After you have filed your tax returns, the relevant authority will make a decision regarding the restoration of your SIM card.
