Islamabad – Traders in the federal capital on Tuesday staged a protest against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) move to install Point of Sale (POS) devices at retail outlets, calling the policy a “black law” and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
The protest rally was organized by the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran (APAT) in collaboration with the Traders Action Committee, Islamabad, and was led by APAT President Ajmal Baloch. A large number of traders from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated, with the rally marching from Aapara Chowk towards the FBR office.
Heavy police deployment stopped the rally near a hotel, after which traders staged a strong sit-in protest. Addressing the gathering, several trader leaders, including Khalid Chaudhry, Sajid Butt, Naeem Awan, Altaf Shah, Mehrullah Dad, Azhar Azad, and Sardar Saqib, President of the Chamber of Small Traders Rawalpindi, strongly criticized the government’s policy, terming it anti-business and damaging to small retailers.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajmal Baloch alleged widespread corruption within the system and demanded strict accountability. Referring to an IMF report, he claimed that corruption worth Rs53 trillion takes place annually in Pakistan, with the FBR allegedly responsible for the largest share. He accused corrupt elements of targeting small traders by creating opportunities for bribery under the pretext of POS device installation.
Baloch also leveled allegations regarding the seizure of legally imported tyres and non-custom-paid vehicles, claiming misuse by corrupt officials. He warned that traders would resist any attempt by the FBR to install POS devices or seal even a single small shop in Islamabad.
Announcing the next phase of agitation, Ajmal Baloch said traders will hold another protest on January 16, with the possibility of blocking Srinagar Highway and staging a sit-in at Zero Point. He further warned of a nationwide shutter-down strike and a protest at D-Chowk if what he termed FBR’s “oppressive actions” continue.
The traders’ leader also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and protect traders from alleged corruption and excesses by tax authorities.