Achi news desk-
Islamabad: The mobile operators (CMOs) on Monday declared the move by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to block SIMs of non-files as a violation of the Pakistan Communications Act, ARY News reported.
The telecom companies wrote a letter to the Ministry of Information Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), highlighting concerns and legal restrictions regarding the blocking of 500,000 non-file SIMs.
The letter emphasizes that the telecom companies are obligated to provide uninterrupted services to consumers according to the Telecom Law. He emphasizes that the sudden blocking of mobile SIMs is against the provisions of the law, and may invite legal action from affected customers.
Read: SIM of over 500,000 non-files should be blocked
They claim that the decision lacks a comprehensive review of constitutional and legal aspects, which is a threat to the rights of taxpayers and the telecom industry.
The letter advocates compliance with the prevailing legal requirements before the termination of the SIM, and calls for transparency in the application of tax laws.
In addition, she calls for a mass media campaign to raise awareness of the ban on those who are not files, emphasizing the importance of informed public discourse.
The telecom industry emphasizes the need for due process and transparency in the enforcement of tax laws, and urges the FBR to reconsider the implementation of the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) in light of the legal complexities and consumer rights.
Last week, the PTA opposed blocking SIM cards of over 500,000 non-tax filers.
In a letter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), PTA stated that blocking these SIMs would not be in line with their system.
PTA noted that a large number of women use mobile SIMs registered against male names. They stated that there are no restrictions on issuing new SIMs to non-files.
Also, the Communications Authority questioned the process of restoring the SIM cards of those who reach the tax network.
The Authority clarified that they are not legally obligated to block SIMs and blocking SIMs will also harm digitalization and the telecom economy.
