Govt introduces bill to restrict non-filers from buying cars, opening bank accounts

On Wednesday, the federal government introduced a bill aimed at amending tax laws, seeking to impose restrictions on non-filers in various financial and property-related matters.

The proposed Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Under the proposed amendments, non-filers will be barred from purchasing vehicles over 800cc, acquiring property beyond a certain limit, and making transactions through bank accounts above a specified threshold.

Additionally, non-filers will be prohibited from buying shares, motorcycles, rickshaws, or tractors. Bank accounts of non-registered businesspersons will be frozen, and they will be restricted from transferring property.

The amendment also grants the government the authority to seal the properties and businesses of non-filers.

The bill further stipulates that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) can freeze the accounts of individuals not registered with the tax authority and prevent property transfers.

However, accounts will be unfrozen within two days after the individual registers with the FBR.

The proposed restrictions will come into effect once approved by the federal government.

In other legislative matters, the House also received a report on the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to amend the National Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2012. The report was presented by Chaudhary Mahmood Bashir Virk.