As part of a significant effort to combat tax evasion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a nationwide campaign to block SIM cards of individuals who have not filed their taxes. This proactive step aligns with the government’s overarching goal of promoting tax compliance.

With immediate effect, SIM cards belonging to identified non-filers with taxable income will be blocked until May 15. This decision was communicated through an official notification from the FBR, instructing telecom companies to implement the measure promptly.

The initiative to block SIM cards of non-filers targets 506,671 individuals who failed to file their tax returns for 2023 and are not listed as active taxpayers. The process to restore mobile SIMs for these non-filers is complex and requires approval from the FBR or relevant commissioner.

Insiders suggest that this marks the initial stage of the FBR’s comprehensive plan to tackle tax evasion. With data collected on over 2 million individuals, it is anticipated that more non-filers may undergo similar measures in subsequent phases.

It’s important to note that the FBR’s authority extends beyond SIM card blocking for non-filers. The board also possesses the ability to disconnect the electricity connections of non-filers, further strengthening enforcement efforts to promote widespread tax compliance.