The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has de-sealed Saeed Book Bank, Islamabad’s largest and most well-known bookstore, following a short-lived closure triggered by a dispute over the integration of its Point of Sales (POS) system. The shop, located in the popular Jinnah Super Market of Sector F-7, was sealed earlier this week but reopened after assurances were given by the management.
According to FBR officials, the sealing was carried out by the Regional Tax Office after the bookstore failed to comply with directives issued in April, requiring the installation of an integrated POS system. The FBR stated that despite repeated notices, the required system was not connected, leading to enforcement action. However, the shop was later reopened after what officials described as commitments made by the store’s representatives.
Saeed Book Bank, founded in Peshawar in 1974 and operating in Islamabad for nearly 25 years, is regarded as a landmark for readers, diplomats, and tourists alike. Its vast collection of local and international titles has made it one of the capital’s most frequented bookstores. The sudden closure drew significant attention, not just from the literary community but also from ordinary customers.
The owner of the bookstore, Ahmed Saeed, speaking from London where he was attending a book fair, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the sealing. He said the action was unjustified and detrimental to the 80-year-old reputation of his business. Saeed emphasized that the issue was not related to tax evasion but rather a technical matter concerning POS registration, which he argued does not apply to bookshops under Schedule 6 of the Sales Tax Act, as books and educational stationery are exempt.
He added that a written reply had already been submitted to the FBR months ago, and the matter was assumed to be resolved. Instead, he said, enforcement teams unexpectedly arrived, sealing the shop and disrupting both staff and customers. Saeed further warned that continued government pressure could push him to shut down the iconic bookstore entirely, even considering converting the property into a café or food chain outlet as a more profitable alternative.
The incident sheds light on the wider struggles of Pakistan’s bookstore industry, which has been facing steady decline. Long-established outlets such as London Book Company, Durrani & Company, and Mr Book have all faced similar challenges. Saeed noted that shrinking readership and high operating costs are already eroding profitability, and regulatory pressures only make survival harder.
Local readers, however, welcomed the reopening of the bookstore. Mehboob Khan, a regular visitor from Sector G-6, said that Saeed Book Bank plays a vital role in promoting reading culture. He urged the government to create policies that encourage and sustain bookstores rather than penalize them.
The store’s manager, Akhtar Gul, confirmed that the federal government intervened to resolve the situation, leading to the reopening. He said customers were visibly pleased to see the store back in operation, a sign of how important the space remains for Islamabad’s reading community.
The episode highlights the tension between Pakistan’s push for digitized tax compliance and the realities faced by traditional businesses. While the FBR continues to expand its POS integration efforts to enhance documentation and revenue collection, businesses like Saeed Book Bank argue that sector-specific exemptions and realities must be recognized.
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