Facing a Blocked SIM Card? It Might Be Your Taxes! The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan is taking action against non-filers of income tax returns for tax year 2023. Over 500,000 SIM cards linked to individuals who haven’t filed their returns have been blocked!
In addition to blocking mobile phone SIMs there might be some other penalties and fines for not filing your tax returns in Pakistan.
Things to know about FBR SIM Blocking:
- Reason for Block: The FBR aims to encourage responsible tax citizenship by targeting those who haven’t fulfilled their tax filing obligations.
- Impact on You: If you haven’t filed your 2023 tax return and your CNIC is linked to a blocked SIM, you’ll lose phone service until compliance is achieved.
- Scope of Block: This block applies to all mobile phone SIMs registered under your CNIC, regardless of the mobile operator.
How to Check if Your SIM is in Block List of FBR:
Publicly available list where you can directly search for your name using your CNIC. Here are the recommended ways to verify your SIM block status:
- Click the Link of FBR Document: Visit FBR SIM Block List to see if you are one of them. The official document issued by FBR. Search your name/cnic in the list.
- Mobile Operator Communication: Mobile service providers might be sending text messages regarding the block. Ensure you haven’t blocked promotional messages in your phone settings to receive these updates.
- Contact Us: Send an email or drop a message at our contact number via whatsapp with your name and CNIC number and we can check it for you.
Unblocking Your SIM:
Many non-filers in Pakistan recently had their mobile SIM cards blocked by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for not filing income tax returns. But fret no more! If you’ve since filed your return, here’s how to get your SIM card reactivated.
- File Your Return (2024): Ensure you’ve filed your income tax return for the year 2024.
- Pay the ATL Surcharge (Section 182): Double-check that you’ve paid the Rs. 1,000 ATL surcharge under the correct section, which is Section 182 – Payment of surcharge.
- Contact FBR (if a mistake): If you believe there’s been an error, contact the FBR or your local Commissioner Inland Revenue to resolve the issue.
Activation Time: In most cases, the unblocking process is swift. While the maximum timeframe for reactivation can be up to 72 hours, your SIM card might be functional within a few hours after achieving ATL status. Recent reports and studies showing that activation is taking up to five working days.
Forgot Your FBR Password?
Even if you’ve forgotten your FBR password and your SIM is blocked, you can still reset your password. Here’s the good news: password reset on the FBR website allows email verification, so you don’t necessarily need a functioning SIM card for this process.
Remember:
This situation highlights the importance of filing your income tax returns on time if you’re legally required to do so. By staying compliant with tax regulations, you can avoid inconveniences like SIM card blockages and contribute your fair share to Pakistan’s revenue.








i have payed my fbr tax for using a zong sim on my mobile which i bought from U.S . IT IS STILL NOT OPERATIONAL ON MY FONE ?
My mobile number is registered with some one ele’s account number in FBR how i can check who has used my mobile in his return.
While registering with FBR verification codes are sent to mobile number, so no one could hav used it without those verifications.
Dont believe if there is any mechanism to verify this.
My warid LTE SIM is serviced off complain it close open sim
You can follow the steps above to unlock your SIM if it is blocked by FBR or reach our Helpline to get customized support.
Salam
Fbr forgot password link must send the code on email and on phone as well. Either sim blocked. It not working until give the code of sim.
My sim is blocked.
Help how can i reset my iiris password.
In case sim is blocked FBR only send s the code on email address.
Still unable to recover password then it is recommende to visit your RTO.
I’m army person my sim is blocked please unblock my sim 03475760954
1000 rupe kaha jama karwaye tura tareeqa Bata de.
File your tax-returns and pay ATL Surcharge as mentioned in the article above. However you can find a detailed guide on how to pay ATL Surcharge at: https://insights.taxationpk.com/how-to-create-pay-atl-surcharge/
my number is blocked when i m in dubai now me in Pakistan i seen i shocked my sim is blocked by fbr
You can file your tax returns to get it activated again.
My sim is blocked by fbr
03131240947
Sim block 03004641570 please activate may sim
Check who have blocked your sim?
FBR or PTA?
Yes
I am a housewife never did any job or business so why my sim blocked due to non paid tax? Ajeeb
Share cnic number at our WhatsApp to verify exact status
send me the details of the income tax return because my sim is blocked
end me the details of income tax return coz my sim is blocked
Sim block
File Tax Returns , pay ATL Surcharge
I am retired as Area Manager from State Life Insurance Corporation (pensioner)
Sim block
I am agree
Yes what are my comments
Yes I am retired person from state Life Insurance
Sim blocked
I am retired as Area Manager from State Life Insurance Corporation (pensioner)
Sim blocked
Sim block
Return file active list showing the ATL status Active but sim not operational…
SIM process is an automatic process however it takes time sometimes more than a week. If you have just filed your return, then kindly wait.
Plz send me the details of income tax return coz my sim is blocked
Income tax return