The federal government has requested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to lift its order that temporarily prevents the blocking of SIM cards belonging to tax non-filers. This order was initially put in place after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sent notices to approximately 5,000 individuals, warning that their SIM cards would be blocked if they didn’t file their tax returns. However, the IHC intervened following a petition from a private telecom company.
During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq emphasized the need for clear regulations from the FBR to avoid indiscriminately targeting individuals, particularly those not required to pay taxes, such as laborers. The government clarified that notices wouldn’t be issued to underprivileged people and that those who respond to the notices will have their SIM cards restored. The court has scheduled further proceedings for May 22.
