A meeting chaired by Senator Salim Mandviwala has led to a significant decision affecting individuals who do not file their tax returns.
The Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced that measures against non-filers will be implemented through the Income Tax General Order. Exceptions will apply to those undertaking Hajj and Umrah, young children, students, and overseas Pakistanis holding the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
In addition to travel restrictions, non-filers will face the suspension of their mobile SIMs, electricity, and gas connections. Senator Farooq H. Naik emphasized that this enforcement should be viewed similarly to being placed on the exit control list.
He further pointed out that non-filers are already subjected to higher withholding tax rates, and their mobile and business operations may be suspended.
The FBR Chairman disclosed that the list of 500,000 non-filers includes individuals with an annual income exceeding Rs 2 million, who had previously disclosed their income in tax returns. Those who file tax returns temporarily to purchase assets like cars, plots, or houses will also be subject to additional taxes.
