Tech Desk 
Sep 11, 2025
The crackdown on non-filers and people who commit tax evasion has long begun in Pakistan, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has blocked over 500,000 mobile SIM cards linked to non-filers to encourage citizens to fulfil tax obligations.
How to check if FBR has blocked your SIM
- Visit the official FBR SIM Block List and search for your name or CNIC.
- Keep an eye out for messages from your mobile provider about your SIM status. Make sure promotional messages aren’t blocked in your settings.
- If you prefer, send us a message on WhatsApp with your name and CNIC, and we can check for you.
Here's why FBR might block your SIM
If you haven’t filed your 2023 tax return and your Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is linked to a blocked SIM, the restriction on your blocked SIM is not going to be lifted unless you sort it out.
Regardless of the mobile operator you use, your SIM cards registered on this particular CNIC will be blocked.
How to unblock your SIM from FBR crackdown
To unblock your SIM from FBR, file your 2024 tax return, pay the Rs1,000 ATL surcharge, and contact the FBR if your SIM card blockage remains intact.
Keep in mind that reactivation usually takes up to 72 hours, but you might get your SIM restored within a few hours if you happen to be lucky.
Given the economic hardship Pakistan is going through and the clampdown on non-filers, filing your taxes on time can prevent such issues from coming your way.
