LAHORE: Telenor’s provincial head office was de-sealed by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) on Friday after a stay order was obtained by the Telenor from the Lahore High Court. On the direction of the LHC, the appellate tribunal of the PRA has fixed a hearing on May 9 to review the stay application of Telenor.
The Punjab government had sealed Telenor’s provincial head office in Lahore after it was alleged that the telecom company hasn’t paid Rs1.69billion taxes. The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) took the action after its commissioner of appeals rejected Telenor’s plea against the alleged tax default.
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) claims that the Telenor has failed to pay sales tax on services payable to the Punjab government from July 2012 to June 2013.
This tax amounts to PKR Rs1612.9million. The failure to recover that amount from Telenor has forced them to seal the cellular company’s office. Talking to a news channel, PRA Additional Commissioner for Enforcement Amanullah Virk said in case of non-payment, the PRA may seal other offices of Telenor in Punjab.