Traders across Pakistan have issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a complete nationwide shutdown on January 16 if a controversial directive to make Point of Sale (POS) machines compulsory is not withdrawn. They argue the move will crush small businesses and lead to increased harassment by tax officials.
Protest Rally Meets Police Resistance
The warning was delivered during a major protest rally in Islamabad organized by the All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajran and the Traders Action Committee. Shopkeepers and market representatives from Islamabad and Rawalpindi joined the demonstration. The protesters attempted to march from Aabpara Chowk towards the high-security Red Zone but were stopped by a heavy police deployment near the Serena Hotel. Forced to halt, they held a sit-in at the spot.
Leaders Decry "Black Law" and Corruption
Addressing the gathered crowd, trader leaders accused the government of unfairly targeting small businesses. Ajmal Baloch, President of the Traders Action Committee in Islamabad, labeled the mandatory POS installation a "black law" meant to intimidate traders rather than reform the tax system. He claimed it would open new avenues for bribery and harassment by officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Baloch cited an International Monetary Fund assessment alleging corruption in Pakistan amounts to nearly PKR 53 trillion annually, with the FBR responsible for a major share. He accused the tax department of ignoring large-scale corruption while focusing on small shopkeepers. Further allegations were made about FBR officials owning assets beyond their known income and their families enjoying foreign education and luxury lifestyles.
Threats of Escalation and Nationwide Strike
The protest leaders also highlighted alleged irregularities in customs, where legally imported goods were seized and only partially returned. They announced plans for tougher action if their demands are ignored.
The traders declared a two-step plan of escalation:
- If the government tries to forcibly install POS machines or seal shops, they will block a major arterial road in Islamabad and stage a sit-in at Zero Point on January 16.
- If their demands continue to be unmet, they will call for a countrywide shutdown strike.
The protesters made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and protect them from what they see as arbitrary actions by tax authorities. The standoff sets the stage for significant economic disruption if a resolution is not found before the January 16 deadline.
