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A new ban on international travel has been introduced by Pakistan's proposed Finance Bill for 2024. There will be a limitation on international travel under Pakistan's proposed Finance Bill for 2024. By banning non-filers from traveling abroad, the bill wants to encourage citizens to file their income tax returns. This action targets citizens of Pakistan who are required to file tax returns but haven't. 

On the Senate Finance Committee's recommendations, the government decided to allow non-filers to file tax returns prior to traveling overseas or abroad. Earlier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had suggested in the bill that non-filers would not be allowed to go abroad.

Who are Non-Filers?

Non-filers are those individuals who either do not have their NTN numbers due to not registering with the FBR, or they have NTN numbers but do not file their annual income tax returns or pay income taxes. FBR refers to the individuals who fail to file tax returns as non-filers.

Statement of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman 

Amjad Zubair Tiwana, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), clarified that the travel restrictions on non-filers that were indicated in the federal budget that the government presented on June 12 for the upcoming fiscal year had not been implemented. He stated that such an action would require prior notice and inclusion in the Income General Tax Order. 

To calm public fears about right away travel restrictions, the FBR chairman clarified that the requirement to link NTN (National Tax Number) with passports for international travel would apply only after due notice and inclusion in the income tax general order. 

The Chairman FBR also stated that, those who fail to file tax returns in accordance with the Income Tax General Order will face the consequences. In addition to non-filers the following connections will be cut off 

  • Mobile SIMs Connections 
  • Gas connection
  • Electricity Connection
  • Other than that, the business of non-filers can also be closed. 

According to the top FBR officer, temporary filers will also be required to pay extra tax when buying cars, plots, and homes.

Who Are Excluded from This Action 

The Exemptions will be granted for Specific groups of people that includes 

  • Hajj and Umrah package pilgrims
  • Young children who are under age
  • Students
  • Pakistanis living abroad who have the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) with them.
The most obvious reason for exempting Umrah package holders is the fact that most of these are old people and some are really not that wealthy or educated enough to file for taxes. Moreover, the government is providing a relief to people to let the perform their religious duty without any sort of hindrance. 
 
Most umrah packages cover few days trip and depart from every major airport of Pakistan.
 
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