ISLAMABAD: The Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are required to provide uninterrupted services to their customers except in cases specified in the Telecom Act and relevant regulations. However, under no circumstances can the CMO interfere or block service to any customer. This is the gist of a letter written by the telecom industry to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
While the purpose of the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) may be to punish non-compliant individuals or encourage them to enter the tax net, the specific measures implemented are not considered appropriate. Either statutory investigation, guaranteed constitutional rights or scrutiny of expenditure by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before passing ITGO.
This review of ITGO will adversely affect customers, affecting their ability to access essential services recognized as a right to life in several Supreme Court decisions. It also undermines the rights and ability of telecom operators to fully comply with their tax obligations. Those who violate any law should be immediately punished without affecting and directly affecting the telecom industry.
It also stated that even if telecom operators implement ITGO, aggrieved people can file cases against CMOs accused of illegal blocking of emergency, illegal and illegal SIM cards. Given the important contribution of CMOs to generate revenue, it is unfair and unacceptable to expose them to such risks. Before executing such orders, defense or indemnity payments must be made available to the CMO through legal remedies to protect against adverse consequences or customer actions/claims.
In addition, the telecommunications industry requires several warnings to customers before blocking most SIM cards, which may be due to technical reasons, in accordance with the contractual obligation to provide advance warning with reasonable reasons.
Implementing ITGO immediately is difficult because CMOs need sufficient time and resources to develop internal processes and systems to meet such requirements. Therefore, the procedural elements involved in blocking and restoring mobile SIM need thorough discussion and agreement before action.
