The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Islamabad has reportedly postponed a nationwide crackdown on non-filers, as per a report by a private news channel.
Initially, the FBR had planned to suspend SIM cards and utility connections for non-filers in response to demands from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, this decision has now been delayed due to legal issues. Sources suggest that the delay is attributed to the non-completion of the Income Tax General Order, potentially leading the FBR to face legal challenges in court.
According to insiders, the action against non-filers is expected to commence by March 1, once the active taxpayers list is released. Following the resolution of legal concerns, the FBR will proceed with the suspension of SIM cards and utility connections for non-filers.
The IMF's issuance of notices to hundreds of thousands of non-filers is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing tax compliance in Pakistan. Recently, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme supported by its Stand-By Arrangement, allowing for an immediate disbursement of approximately US$700 million, bringing the total disbursements under the SBA to US$1.9 billion.
