Traders across the country have announced nationwide protests on January 16 if the government does not withdraw its directive making the installation of point of sale (POS) devices mandatory. The announcement was made during a protest rally in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The rally was organised by the All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajran and the Traders Action Committee (TAC). Traders marched from Aabpara Chowk to Old Embassy Road to protest against the compulsory use of POS machines at shops.
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Participants attempted to move towards the Red Zone to stage a demonstration outside the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) office on Constitution Avenue. However, heavy police deployment stopped them near Serena Hotel, where they held a protest gathering.
Addressing the rally, TAC Islamabad President Ajmal Baloch urged the government to immediately withdraw what he described as a “black law” targeting traders. He warned that forced implementation of POS machines would be strongly resisted.
Mr Baloch alleged that the POS system would create new opportunities for corruption and harassment of small traders by tax officials. He claimed that instead of curbing corruption within institutions, authorities were putting pressure on traders.
Referring to an International Monetary Fund report, he alleged that corruption worth trillions of rupees occurs annually in the country and accused the FBR of having a significant share. He also levelled allegations regarding seizures of imported goods and misuse of authority by customs officials.
The speakers claimed that small shopkeepers would be unable to cope with the financial and administrative burden of installing POS machines. They said traders were already facing economic difficulties due to inflation and declining business activity.
Protest leaders warned that if any shop was sealed or POS machines were installed by force, traders would escalate their agitation. They announced plans to block Kashmir Highway and stage a sit-in at Zero Point on January 16.
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They further warned that continued pressure could lead to a countrywide shutter-down strike. The traders appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and protect them from what they termed high-handedness by tax authorities.