Tech
FBR, PTA at Odds Over Blocking SIM Cards for Non-Tax Filers
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are in a dispute over blocking SIM cards for half a million non-tax filers in Pakistan.
PTA has opposed the move, citing incompatibility with their system and potential harm to digitalization and the telecom economy.
PTA argues that blocking a large number of SIMs will significantly harm digitalization, the telecom economy, and even jeopardize foreign investment in the sector.
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Additionally, banking transactions, e-commerce, and mobile account users will face issues.
The telecom authority also highlights that only 27% of SIMs are registered under women’s names, and a large number of SIMs are used by women and children registered under men’s names.
Legally, PTA is not obliged to block SIMs, and the Income Tax Ordinance 2021 does not apply to PTA.
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Instead, PTA suggests FBR to explore other legal options and verifying SIM cards owners before any possible blockages, as one person can obtain multiple SIM cards for others and themselves.
