Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said on Friday that the court did not prevent authorities from blocking SIM cards but prohibited them from taking action against private companies.
The Islamabad High Court has heard an appeal against a stay order against a private company in connection with SIM blocking.
After the trial began, IHC Chief Justice Adalat Farooq said that the media had not properly reported the case.
The Attorney General said that he has given detailed information about the Section 144 tax. People with low income will definitely not use it, everything is clear about the NTN number,” he said.
Justice Farooq asked whether ordinary stall workers would be included in the tax net. “Of course, they will not be warned by the FBR,” the Attorney General said.
The Chief Justice asked if someone is not a tax payer and uses a SIM card in the name of their son or daughter, then what will they do? “What are people doing that are not registered?
“No poor person will receive FBR notices. From November 2023, notices will be issued to non-filers. If any person responds or satisfies FBR after the notice, the SIM will be restored,” said the Attorney General.
IHC CJ said that people are afraid that FBR will not spare anyone.
Citing various cases related to taxation, the attorney general said the court should look at the membership of the company and how much Pakistani shares in the company. The court said the order was being blamed on the media. The court said it did not prevent SIMS from being blocked, but only took action against private companies.
“Watch your request. When do you want to hear?” asked the judge.
The attorney general said he had no idea. He said that there are many cases in the court and the court may fix the hearing next week on May 22 or 23.
IHC CJ said the main proceedings will be held on May 27. The Attorney General said that a date before May 27 could be set by the court.
Later, the court issued a notice and fixed May 22 to hear the case.
