PTA Declines FBR's Request to Block Over 500,000 SIMs of Non-Filers
Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rebuffed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)'s request to block the SIM cards of more than five lakh non-filers, citing legal constraints and potential adverse effects on the telecom economy.
According to media reports, PTA responded to FBR's letter, highlighting the incompatibility of the proposed action with existing systems and legal obligations. The telecom regulatory body emphasized that it is not legally obligated to block SIM cards as per the Income Tax Ordinance 2021.
Furthermore, PTA underscored the widespread usage of SIM cards registered under the names of men, with only 27% attributed to women in Pakistan. Blocking a large number of SIM cards, PTA argued, could disproportionately affect women and children who rely on these connections.
PTA expressed concerns over the detrimental impact that mass SIM blocking could have on digitization efforts and the overall telecom economy. The regulatory body cautioned that such measures could lead to operational challenges and inconvenience for users across the country.
In its communication to FBR, PTA recommended exploring alternative legal avenues rather than resorting to SIM blocking. This suggests a willingness to collaborate on addressing tax compliance issues while minimizing disruptions to telecommunications services and the broader economy.
The PTA's stance underscores the complexities surrounding regulatory interventions in the telecommunications sector, balancing the imperative of tax compliance with the need to sustain digital connectivity and economic growth. As discussions continue between PTA and FBR, stakeholders await further developments in this ongoing debate.
