Accusing FBR of targeting small traders by forcibly installing POS devices and closing shops
Traders in the federal capital on Tuesday warned the government of large-scale protests, including road blockades and a possible nationwide shutdown, if it did not withdraw the policy, demanding the installation of point-of-sale (POS) devices, which they termed a “black law”.
The warning came from the All Pakistan Traders Association and the Islamabad-based Traders Action Committee, which announced January 16 as the deadline for the government to reverse its policy. Trader leaders have threatened to block major intersections in Islamabad and intensify their protests if their demands are ignored.
Addressing a protest rally, Ajmal Baloch, president of the Traders’ Association of Pakistan and head of the Islamabad Traders’ Action Committee, accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of targeting small traders by forcibly installing point-of-sale devices and closing shops. He said traders would strongly resist such action.
The rally, organized against the POS policy, marched from Aabpara Chowk towards the FBR offices. It was led by Ajmal Baloch and brought together a large number of traders and their representatives from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Heavy police deployment stopped the gathering before it could reach the FBR offices. After the blockade, the traders staged a protest at the spot, where leaders of various trade organizations in the federal capital addressed the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Baloch called for legislation to introduce death penalty for the corrupt. Citing an IMF report, he said corruption amounts to Rs 53,000 billion every year across the country, with the largest share being attributed to the FBR.
He said corrupt elements within the department had now turned their attention to merchants, creating what he described as a widespread corruption system linked to the installation of point-of-sale terminals in small stores.
A day earlier, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial assured traders that those who cannot afford to use the POS system will get relief and no trader will be harassed. A delegation of traders led by Central Traders Organization of Pakistan Chairman Kashif Chaudhry met the FBR Chairman on Monday.
During the meeting, Chaudhry briefed the FBR Chairman about the challenges faced by traders including alleged harassment by tax officials and difficulties faced by small businesses due to implementation of POS system.
He said despite merchants’ concerns, implementation of the POS system has started across local and international brands and chain stores. Although these businesses typically have computerized systems, backup power, trained staff, and the administrative capacity to adopt the system, small businesses operating within these chains continue to face practical difficulties.
Chaudhry added that the application of POS system has significantly increased operational costs for small traders. He said traders were facing excessive interference, sanctions and store closures under the pretext of documentation, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
