May 5, 2024
3 mins read

Pak Telecommunication Authority rejects demand to block SIMs

According to the report, this rejection might trigger more controversy between the FBR and PTA as both sides are citing different provisions of law and legal framework. ..reports Asian Lite News

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) demand to block SIMs of approximately 0.6 million non-filers, arguing that such an order would not have legal bindings and contrary to the legal framework, Geo News reported.

According to the report, this rejection might trigger more controversy between the FBR and PTA as both sides are citing different provisions of law and legal framework. The FBR might consider the option of prosecuting against those who might prefer to breach their provision of the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) under Section 114B.

On the other hand, the PTA has sent out an official communication to the FBR and stated that the enforcement of Section 114-B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and order issued vide No.C.No.6(30)S(CIR-Operation)/2024 dated 29th April, 2024, is to inform that as per applicable legal regulatory regime, the execution of Income Tax General Order issued under section 114-B of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Accordingly, ITGO dated April 29th, 2024 referred to the Authority for compliance/execution would have no legal binding effect being inconsistent with the applicable legal framework.

In addition, it has also been observed that before the execution of the ITGO order, factual issues with regard to usage of SIMs against Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) also need to be verified on the premise that any person may obtain eight SIMs (3 Data and 5 Voice) therefore, before issuing and implementing ITGO, procedural steps with regard to notices would require to be issued by the tax collection authority as provided in section 1I4-B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, Geo News reported.

Nevertheless, the impact of the execution of ITGO will also have an adverse impact on prevailing social norms, inter-alia, on the following:

In Pakistan, male members of the society prefer to register SIMs against their CNIC/ names instead of female(s)and juvenile members of family. Currently, as per available information, only 27 per cent of SIMs have been registered against CNIC of females.

Subsequently, potential subscribers i.e., children and female members of family using SIMs may be deprived from communication with specific reference to their educational activities.

Geo News reported that it may also have an adverse impact on the confidence of foreign investment in the telecom sector including the objectivity of digital transformation.

As a result of blocking SIMs, multiple issues with regard to banking transactions, e-commerce /online business activities, remittance directly into the mobile money accounts and financial support to family members as well as e-health activities carried out through mobile connectivity will also emerge.

Foregoing in view of the above and as to avoid any litigious implication, it is also suggested that instead of invoking the penal action in terms of blocking SIMs at first instance, other alternative modes for ensuring better compliance for filing of income tax returns may be sorted out by carrying out an awareness campaign, sending SMS etc, Geo News reported.

Accordingly, the instant matter needs to be reviewed holistically after consultation with the relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom. It was also told that this official letter was issued with approval of competent authority, the PTA letter concluded. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan, Iran, China Plan Trilateral Defence Talks

Previous Story

China among most dangerous countries for media professionals

Next Story

UN voices concern about media curbs in Afghanistan

Latest from -Top News

Bangladesh Rejects Dar’s 1971 Claim

During his two-day Dhaka visit, the first in 13 years, Dar made the claims after meeting interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has rejected Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and

London Puts Beijing on Hold

The proposed embassy, earmarked for the site of a historic two-century-old building near the Tower of London, has been bogged down in dispute for more than three years…reports Asian Lite News The

Fiji PM Rabuka Begins First India Visit

The visit comes just weeks after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva, Fiji, in July 2025….reports Asian Lite News Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada

Modi all set for Japan, China visits

By travelling to both Tokyo and Tianjin within the span of a week, Modi is set to balance strategic partnerships with Japan and cautious engagement with China – two relationships that will
Go toTop

Don't Miss

CIA Chief Holds Crucial Meetings With Pak, India

It is said that the main purpose of the CIA

Pakistan mulls seeking US help to secure loans at Geneva meet

Over two dozen infrastructure projects worth $13 billion will be