Traders in Islamabad have given the government until January 16 to scrap the requirement for point-of-sale (POS) machines. If not, they plan major demonstrations, road blocks, and possibly a countrywide business closure.
Main Headline (H1)
Islamabad Traders Set January Deadline for POS Policy Withdrawal
Shopkeepers say the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) rule puts too much pressure on small businesses. They claim it leads to harassment and higher costs.
A rally started at Aabpara Chowk on Tuesday. Hundreds joined, aiming to reach FBR headquarters. Police stopped the march near Serena Hotel with heavy barriers. Protesters stayed there, chanting slogans against the policy.
Ajmal Baloch leads the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran and the Traders Action Committee Islamabad. He spoke at the event. Baloch said the FBR focuses unfairly on small shops by forcing POS setups and closing businesses that refuse.
He pointed to reports of widespread corruption. One estimate puts yearly losses at Rs53 trillion, with tax officials playing a big role. Baloch claimed the POS rule opens doors for more bribes from inspectors.
Other trade leaders from Islamabad and Rawalpindi joined the calls. They want quick action to shield small retailers from extra burdens like heavy fines and complex paperwork.
On the government side, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial met a separate traders’ group the day before. Led by Kashif Chaudhry, they raised similar issues.
Langrial promised help for shops that cannot pay for POS machines. He said no one would face unfair treatment. Officials caught demanding bribes would face suspension.
Traders say these words need to turn into real changes soon. Without withdrawal of the mandate, disruptions could spread beyond the capital.
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The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between tax authorities and small retailers over efforts to track sales digitally.
No external embeds needed, as no specific tweets or videos from the event were identified in recent reports. Link to related sources if desired: Dawn.com or Express Tribune articles on the protest for further reading.
