Tech Desk 
Nov 22, 2024
In an attempt to reactivate tax filers' SIM cards, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a procedure detailing the blocking and unblocking of SIM cards of non-filers.
Rolled out in line with directions from the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), the FBR procedure also includes timelines for telecom operators and tax officials.
The procedure states that the FBR will automatically communicate the list of tax filers having paid their income taxes to the telecom companies to get their SIM cards reactivated.
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SOPs issued by FBR in this regard are aimed at the issuance and implementation of the Income Tax General Order under section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
The FBR-issued SOP highlighted that the concerned telecom company will restore taxpayers' SIM cards within 1-2 business days.
In case a tax filer's SIM card remains suspended even three days after filing income tax, he is then advised, as per the FBP SOPs, to convey his grievance to the concerned commissioner who will thoroughly analyse the case and report the board to resolve the matter if the case is genuine.
