Telecom Companies Push Back Against FBR’s SIM Blocking Proposal

Pakistan telecommunication companies have opposed the FBR’s proposal to block the SIMs of non-filers on legal grounds. Instead, they suggested running a nationwide awareness campaign to encourage people for voluntary tax compliance.

Legal Concerns and Counter Proposal

In a letter to the IT Ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), telecom companies mentioned the legal challenges they can face if they suddenly deactivate mobile SIMs of subscribers. They are worried that the affected people can file lawsuits against them so they have to protect their subscriber’s rights. The companies suggested running a media campaign instead to educate non-filers about tax returns’ importance and the downside of not filing the tax.

Promoting Tax Compliance Through Awareness

The objective of the media campaign is to educate people about the procedure and benefits of tax filing. The telecom companies believe that their strategy will be more effective and legally stronger than FBR’s SIM blocking proposal.