All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran president Ajmal Baloch announced a major protest against the Federal Board of Revenue plan to install POS devices, calling traders to gather in Islamabad on December 30. He said merchants will assemble at Aabpara Chowk and will surround FBR offices if the directive is not withdrawn.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, Ajmal Baloch said that the business community is already facing severe pressure and that field staff of the FBR are harassing traders. He accused some officials of turning routine checks into extortion, alleging that such interactions often end with demands of around Rs20,000. The proposed rollout of POS devices is being presented as another burden on small shopkeepers.
Baloch appealed for meaningful action against corruption in the system and urged authorities to impose much stricter punishments to deter wrongdoers. He argued that without firm enforcement and accountability the cycle of harassment and bribery will continue, and reiterated that traders reject the current POS devices requirement unless it is revised in consultation with their representatives.
The statement also addressed pressure from local administration, with traders reporting that some officials threatened to deploy security forces if they did not comply. Baloch asked officials not to involve the military in civilian disputes and urged administrators to avoid further aggravating already strained small businesses. He said a few shopkeepers in Blue Area are being singled out and blackmailed under the pretext of enforcing the law.
Warning of escalated action, Ajmal Baloch said that if the FBR rule on POS devices is not reversed, traders will launch a countrywide shutter-down strike. He called on authorities to engage with merchant bodies to find a workable solution and avoid a confrontation that could disrupt markets across Pakistan.
