PTA Rejects FBR’s Demand on SIM Blocking

PTA Rejects FBR's Demand on SIM Blocking/Representative image

VoM News Desk | May 5, 2024 | 12:21 AM IST | Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

PTA Rejects FBR’s Demand on SIM Blocking

PTA Rejects FBR’s Demand on SIM Blocking

Key Highlights:

1. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) refuses Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) request to block SIMs, citing legal constraints.
2. Disagreement between PTA and FBR may escalate, as both sides interpret legal provisions differently.
3. PTA suggests alternative measures to promote tax compliance instead of immediate SIM blocking.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rebuffed the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) plea to block SIMs of approximately 0.6 million non-filers, as reported by Geo News. PTA argues that such an order lacks legal binding and contradicts the established legal framework.

This refusal could intensify the dispute between PTA and FBR, with both entities citing different provisions of the law. While FBR contemplates prosecuting non-filers under Section 114B of the Income Tax General Order (ITGO), PTA asserts that executing such orders falls outside its jurisdiction.

Furthermore, PTA proposes alternative measures to promote tax compliance, such as awareness campaigns and SMS notifications, instead of immediate SIM blocking. The matter calls for a comprehensive review and consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, to address concerns effectively and avoid potential litigation.

VoM News Desk

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