The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday barred the federal government from blocking the SIMs of non-filers, ARY News reported.
IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq issued the order in response to a writ petition filed by the telecom operator.
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The court also issued notice to the federal government in this regard, with the next hearing on the matter scheduled for May 27, 2024.
The petition challenged Clause 114-B of the Income Tax Ordinance and the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Income Tax General Orders against non-filers.
The petitioner argued that the tax regulator’s new-found authority violated the fundamental right to freedom of business under Article 18 of the Constitution.
The petitioner warned that if implemented, this law would allow the government to deprive citizens of services in other business areas as well.
