Traders in the federal capital have issued a strong warning to the government, threatening large-scale protests, road blockades, and even a possible nationwide shutdown if the mandatory installation of Point of Sale (POS) devices is not withdrawn. The warning was issued on Tuesday by the All Pakistan Traders Association and the Traders Action Committee Islamabad, which termed the policy a “black law” and set January 16 as the deadline for its reversal.
Trader leaders said that if their demands are ignored, they would block major intersections in Islamabad and escalate their protest movement across the country. The announcement came during a protest rally organised against the enforcement of the POS policy, which traders argue unfairly targets small businesses and increases their operational burden.
Addressing the rally, All Pakistan Traders Association President and head of the Traders Action Committee Islamabad, Ajmal Baloch, accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of singling out small traders through forced POS installations and the sealing of shops. He said traders would strongly resist any attempt to impose the system through coercive measures, adding that such actions were creating unrest and uncertainty in the business community.
The protest rally marched from Aabpara Chowk towards the FBR offices and was attended by a large number of traders and representatives from both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. However, heavy police deployment prevented the protesters from reaching the FBR offices, after which traders staged a sit-in at the blocked point. Leaders of various trader organisations addressed the gathering, reiterating their opposition to the policy and warning of intensified protests if the government fails to act.
During his address, Baloch also levelled serious allegations against the tax machinery, calling for strict legislation against corruption. Citing an IMF report, he claimed that corruption amounting to Rs53 trillion takes place annually in Pakistan, with the FBR allegedly accounting for the largest share. He further alleged that corrupt elements within the department had now turned their focus toward traders, creating what he described as a bribery-driven system linked to the enforcement of POS devices at small shops.
A day earlier, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial had attempted to ease tensions by assuring traders that those unable to afford POS systems would be given relief and that no trader would be harassed. This assurance was given during a meeting with a delegation of traders led by Central Organisation of Traders Pakistan President Kashif Chaudhry.
During the meeting, Chaudhry highlighted the difficulties traders are facing due to the enforcement of the POS system, including alleged harassment by tax officials. He pointed out that while the system was initially implemented at local and international brands and chain stores, smaller businesses operating within these chains continue to face serious practical challenges. Unlike large retailers, small traders often lack computerised systems, trained staff, backup power, and administrative capacity to smoothly adopt the technology.
Chaudhry added that the enforcement of the POS system has significantly increased operational costs for small traders. He warned that excessive interference, penalties, and shop sealings under the pretext of documentation were creating an atmosphere of fear, discouraging business activity and harming the retail sector. Traders have reiterated that unless the policy is reviewed and their concerns addressed, protests will intensify in the coming weeks.
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