Islamabad, May 17, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the formation of a joint working group tasked with enforcing the blocking of mobile phone SIMs belonging to non-filers of income tax returns.
This move comes as part of efforts to enhance tax compliance and streamline the implementation of Income Tax General Order No. 1 of 2024.
A notification issued by the FBR outlined the establishment of the joint working group, which aims to facilitate the efficient enforcement of the order and ensure compliance with relevant legal provisions.
The joint working group comprises representatives from various stakeholders involved in the enforcement process. Key members include officials from the FBR, Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA), and major telecommunications companies operating in the country.
Among the notable members are Mir Badshah Khan Wazir and Arshad Nawaz Cheema from the FBR headquarters, along with officials from the Large Taxpayer Office (LTO) in Islamabad. Additionally, representatives from Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA), including Kashif Ghafoor and Sohail Mehmood, are part of the group.
Telecommunications companies such as Ufone, Telenor Pakistan, and Jazz are also represented in the joint working group. Notable personnel from these companies include Jawad Habib, Siraj Alam, and Faisal Ali from Ufone; Raza Zulfiqar, Syed Ali Yasir Rizvi, and Ali Faisal from Telenor Pakistan; and Ali Amjad, Omer Saeed, and Shaher Yar Khan from Jazz.
The FBR emphasized that the joint working group will serve as a platform for collaboration and communication among all stakeholders. Its primary objective is to address any challenges and ensure the smooth implementation of Income Tax General Order No. 1, which mandates the blocking of SIMs belonging to non-filers listed in the order.
This initiative underscores the FBR’s commitment to enhancing tax compliance and leveraging technology to achieve its objectives. By collaborating with telecommunications companies and regulatory authorities, the FBR aims to effectively enforce tax regulations and promote greater transparency in the taxation system.
The establishment of the joint working group reflects a concerted effort to streamline processes and improve coordination among relevant stakeholders. It is expected to contribute to the broader goal of enhancing tax revenue collection and promoting fiscal discipline in Pakistan.