PTA refuses FBR request to block tax defaulters' SIMs

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has made a decision to not comply with the Federal Bureau of Revenue’s (FBR) request to block the mobile phone SIMs of more than half a million individuals who failed to file tax returns in 2023. This development came to light on Saturday when the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) no 01 of 2024 was issued, stating that the mobile SIMs of these individuals would remain blocked until either restored by the FBR or the Commissioner Inland Revenue.

The FBR had initially demanded the blocking of SIMs belonging to individuals who did not fulfill their tax obligations in 2023. However, the PTA's refusal to implement this request indicates a divergence in approach between the two regulatory bodies. The decision outlined in the ITGO suggests that the PTA is prioritizing the restoration of mobile services for these individuals, leaving the responsibility of tax compliance enforcement to the FBR and the Commissioner Inland Revenue.

This move by the PTA raises questions about the coordination and communication between government entities regarding tax compliance measures and mobile network regulations. It also highlights the complexities involved in balancing taxpayer obligations with the right to access essential communication services.