A major confrontation between traders and the government was narrowly avoided this week after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) stepped in to address growing tensions over mandatory POS registration. What could have turned into a full-scale shutter-down strike in Islamabad and Rawalpindi was defused through timely communication and dialogue.
A Strike Was Just Hours Away
Traders in the twin cities were preparing for what they described as a final protest against the compulsory integration of small shopkeepers into the FBR’s Point of Sale (POS) system. According to All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT) Chairman Ajmal Baloch, frustration had boiled over, and business owners were ready to close markets in protest.
However, an unexpected phone call changed everything. The FBR’s Inland Revenue (Operations) Wing reached out to the Traders Action Committee, inviting them for an urgent meeting at the FBR Headquarters to break the impasse.
Traders Voice Their Concerns
During the meeting, representatives from the business community laid out their reservations openly and forcefully:
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Rising Operational Costs: Small shopkeepers insisted that mandatory POS registration would significantly burden their already thin profit margins. Many would have no choice but to hire technical help to install and manage the system.
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Digital Skill Gaps: Several traders pointed out that many small-scale retailers lack the education or training needed to operate POS machines effectively.
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Misclassification Issues: Traders argued that simply using a debit/credit card machine or QR code payment system should not automatically place a business under the POS regime.
Ajmal Baloch stressed that the majority of small traders simply do not have the financial room to absorb these additional compliance costs.
FBR Responds With Openness and Dialogue
The meeting proved constructive. Zubair Bilal, Member Inland Revenue (Operations), listened closely to the traders’ concerns and encouraged continued engagement instead of confrontation. His accommodating and solution-oriented approach helped calm anxieties and rebuild trust.
Strike Called Off After Productive Discussion
Following the dialogue, the Traders Action Committee announced that the planned shutter-down protest had been called off. The decision was widely welcomed, as it prevented potential disruptions in the twin cities’ bustling commercial centers.
The episode underscores the importance of communication between government institutions and the business community — especially during times of policy transition. As POS integration expands, continued dialogue will be essential to ensure compliance without overwhelming small traders.