Accusing FBR of targeting small traders through forced installation of POS devices and sealing of 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 does not withdraw the policy mandating the installation of Point of Sale (POS) devices, which they described as a ‘black law’.
The warning came from the All Pakistan Traders Association and Traders Action Committee Islamabad, which announced January 16 as the deadline for the government to reverse the policy. Trade leaders threatened to block major intersections in Islamabad and escalate their protest if their demands are ignored.
Addressing a protest rally, All Pakistan Traders Association president and Traders Action Committee Islamabad leader Ajmal Baloch accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of targeting small traders through forced installation of POS devices and sealing of shops. He said traders would strongly oppose any such action.
The rally, organized against the POS policy, marched from Aabpara Chowk towards the FBR offices. It was presided over by Ajmal Baloch and was attended by a large number of traders and their representatives from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Heavy police deployment stopped the rally before it could reach the FBR offices. After the blockade, traders staged a protest at the site where leaders of various trade organizations from the federal capital addressed the gathering.
On this occasion, Baloch called for legislation introducing the death penalty for the corrupt. Citing an IMF report, he claimed that corruption of Rs 53 trillion occurs annually across the country, with the largest share attributed to the FBR.
He claimed that corrupt elements in the department had now turned their attention to traders, creating what he described as a widespread bribery system linked to the installation of POS devices in small shops.
A day earlier, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial assured traders that those who cannot afford the POS system will get relief and that no trader will be harassed. A delegation of traders led by Central Organization of Traders Pakistan President Kashif Chaudhry met the FBR chairman on Monday.
During the meeting, Chaudhry informed the FBR chairman about the challenges faced by traders, including alleged harassment by tax authorities and the difficulties faced by small businesses due to the enforcement of the POS system.
He said that despite the merchants’ concerns, the implementation of the POS system at local and international brands and chain stores began. While such companies generally have computerized systems, backup power, trained staff and administrative capacity to adopt the system, smaller companies operating within these chains continue to face practical difficulties.
Chaudhry added that the enforcement of the POS system has significantly increased operating costs for smaller merchants. He said traders faced excessive interference, fines and shop sealings on the pretext of documentation, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
