 has set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) of tax officials and telecom operators to streamline.){kind=link}
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) consisting of tax officials and telecom operators. This group aims to make the process of blocking SIM cards for those who haven’t filed taxes smoother and in line with the law.
Following a recent meeting between the finance minister and representatives of Pakistan’s telecom operators on May 12, 2024, the FBR issued a notification stating the decision to establish this Joint Working Group (JWG). Its purpose is to enforce Income Tax General Order (ITGO) No. 1 of 2024 and ensure the proper blocking of SIM cards for non-filers according to legal procedures.
The JWG will act as a platform for cooperation and communication among the involved parties. It will address any challenges and help in the effective implementation of ITGO No. 1 of 2024 to block SIM cards of non-filers listed in the Order.
The telecom companies have agreed with the FBR to start blocking people who haven’t paid taxes in small groups. This decision is part of enforcing ITGO-No1, a rule made under Section 114-B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
However, Zong went against this agreement and filed a petition against ITGO-No1 with the Islamabad High Court on May 14. Meanwhile, the other three telecom companies started blocking the SIM cards of people who hadn’t paid taxes, as per a senior tax official speaking to Dawn on Friday.
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We have confirmation from the three telecom operators about the SIM blocking,” the official stated, noting that only Zong has contested the FBR’s decision. The tax official added that the attorney general’s office has been asked to examine the matter.
As per the FBR notification, the Joint Working Group (JWG) was formed to enforce ITGO-No1 of 2024 and streamline the process of blocking SIM cards for those who haven’t filed taxes.