Achi news desk-
Islamabad (Web Desk) Naji TV has reported citing informed sources that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and telecom companies have reached a consensus regarding blocking the mobile SIMs of non-filers across the country failing to reach
Sources say that cellular mobile companies have refused to block SIMs of 56,000 taxpayers due to technical and operational limitations.
Sources claimed, in a statement, that the telecom companies said there were legal complications in implementing the FBR directive.
Meanwhile, sources have quoted FBR officials as saying that there will be another round of negotiations between the mobile phone operators and the authorities soon.
However, the Chief Medical Officers did not ensure that the FBR directives were implemented.
A day ago, the Cellular Mobile Operators (CMO) termed the move of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to block the SIMs of non-filers as a violation of the Pakistan Telecommunication Act.
Read more: Blocked mobile SIMs of more than 500,000 citizens who did not file income tax
Telecom companies have written a letter to the Ministry of Information Technology and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) highlighting concerns and legal hurdles related to blocking 5 lakh SIMs of non-filers.
The letter emphasized that telecommunications companies are mandated under the Telecommunications Act to provide uninterrupted services to consumers. This shows that the sudden blocking of mobile SIMs is against legal provisions, which may lead to legal action by affected users.
They say that the constitutional and legal aspects have not been comprehensively examined in this decision, which threatens the rights of taxpayers and the telecommunications industry.
The letter recommended compliance with existing legal requirements before abolishing taxes and emphasized transparency in the implementation of tax laws.
In addition, it calls for a massive media campaign to create awareness of the ban on non-filers, emphasizing the importance of informed public discussions.
Emphasizing the need for due process and transparency in the implementation of tax laws, the telecom industry urged the FBR to review the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) in the light of legal complexities and consumer rights.
