Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stated on Friday that he did not prohibit the authorities from blocking the SIMs of non-filers. The order solely restricted the government from taking any action against the telecom operators. Media reports on Tuesday highlighted that the IHC had issued a stay order in relation to a petition filed by a mobile operator challenging the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) decision.
During the commencement of the miscellaneous plea hearing, the attorney general mentioned his intention to have the stay order on blocking mobile phone SIMs dismissed. The chief justice pointed out that the media had misreported the previous order, clarifying that it did not halt the SIM blockage but rather ceased actions against private companies. The chief justice raised concerns about whether laborers or impoverished individuals would be subject to taxation.
In response, the attorney general assured that notices regarding SIM closure would not be sent to poor individuals. Expressing apprehension that the FBR might encompass everyone in its tax net, the CJ emphasized the necessity of clear rules and regulations, considering not everyone could easily engage with the FBR to explain their circumstances. Upon the attorney general’s request, the IHC issued a notice for the government’s miscellaneous petition, requiring a response by May 22.
