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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a statement regarding the suspension of mobile phone SIMs belonging to more than 500,000 non-filers at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
“PTA is currently reviewing the recent decision by FBR. We are actively engaging with Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and relevant stakeholders on this issue. Our primary aim is to ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines and legal provisions while protecting the interests of telecom consumers. Any developments on this matter will be communicated accordingly,” stated the regulatory authority on Thursday.
The FBR has furnished a list of 506,671 individuals to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the suspension of their mobile phone SIMs due to their non-filing of tax returns for the 2023 tax year.
Meanwhile, PTCL has responded by stating that the company is closely monitoring FBR’s recent directives regarding the suspension of SIMs associated with approximately 0.5 million CNICs of non-tax filers.
“This issue is of paramount importance to us, and we are meticulously evaluating this directive within the relevant legal and regulatory framework,” remarked a PTCL spokesperson, emphasizing, “Our primary objective is to ensure compliance with applicable legal provisions while safeguarding the interests of affected consumers.”
Additionally, PTCL, the parent company of Ufone, affirmed its close collaboration with PTA to effectively and responsibly address this issue.
While there has been no official statement from Jazz, Zong, or Telenor on this matter, according to Dawn.com, a senior executive from one of the telecom companies criticized FBR, alleging that it is attempting to conceal its own shortcomings. The executive suggested that instead of granting absolute powers to their Commissioner, the tax collecting body should focus on broadening the tax base.