Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan has denied the news of an agreement with the Federal Board of Revenue over blocking of SIMs belonging to non-filers.

Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan Secretary General Mr. Kamal Ahmed said that during yesterday’s meeting with the FBR, telecom operators highlighted additional technical and operational issues alongside legal issues in its implementation.

“Another meeting is planned to discuss the way forward. Telecom operators did not provide assurance for blocking SIMs,” a statement issued by the Association said.

Earleir reports had suggested that the telecommunication companies in Pakistan has reached an agreement with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to block the mobile phone Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) of over half a million individuals who have failed to file their tax returns.

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However, the companies have requested a period of one to 1.5 weeks to carry out this task effectively, according to the reports.

The telecom companies expressed their opposition to the SIM-blocking measure, underscoring legal challenges.

There is also an argument that although the law to block SIMs of non-filers had been in place for two years, it had not been strictly enforced thus far and that implementing the measure abruptly after two years was unfair.