Small businesses: Traders protest against installation of POS devices

ISLAMABAD: The failure of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to effectively deal with the traders’ community resulted in another massive protest on Tuesday against the installation of Point of Sale (POS) devices on small businesses in the federal capital.

Traders have demanded the immediate withdrawal of what they described as the “black law” regarding the installation of Point of Sale (POS) devices, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not accepted.

A protest rally was organized by the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran (APAT) and the Traders Action Committee, Islamabad, which was led by APAT Ajmal Baloch. The rally marched from Aapara Chowk towards the FBR office, with a large number of traders and representatives from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participating in the protest.

The rally was stopped near a Hotel by heavy police deployment, following which traders staged a strong protest. Addressing the gathering, several trader leaders, including Khalid Chaudhry, Sajid Butt, Naeem Awan, Altaf Shah, Mehrullah Dad, Azhar Azad, Sardar Saqib (President, Chamber of Small Traders Rawalpindi), and presidents of various markets of Islamabad, condemned the government’s policy and termed it an “anti-business” measure.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajmal Baloch demanded that the government pass legislation for capital punishment to eliminate corruption, citing an IMF report which, he claimed, stated that Rs53 trillion worth of corruption takes place annually in the country, with the largest share allegedly involving the FBR.

He alleged that corrupt elements had now turned their attention towards small traders, creating a market for bribery under the pretext of installing POS devices at small shops. Ajmal Baloch further claimed that legally imported tyres worth millions of rupees were seized, with only half returned, while the remaining were allegedly distributed among corrupt elements. He warned that traders would hold those responsible accountable in the future.

The traders’ leader also demanded inquiries into FBR officials, alleging that many employees’ children are studying abroad and that even office peons own luxury vehicles worth millions of rupees. He further alleged that 26,000 non-custom-paid vehicles were seized by customs authorities, many of which were allegedly being used by bureaucrats and their relatives.

Ajmal Baloch warned that if the FBR installed POS devices or sealed even a single small shop in Islamabad, traders would offer strong resistance. He announced that the next phase of protests will take place on January 16, with a possible decision of blocking the Srinagar Highway and staging a sit-in at Zero Point.

He further stated that if what he termed as FBR’s oppression continues, traders will announce a nationwide a shutter-down strike and hold a protest at D-Chowk. He also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to protect traders from corruption and alleged excesses of the FBR.