On Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed a prominent bookstore, accusing it of failing to integrate its Point of Sales (POS) system with FBR’s requirements. The action was carried out by the Regional Tax Office.
An FBR official stated that a notice had been issued in April to install the POS system, and since this was not fulfilled, the store was sealed. It was later de-sealed after receiving “assurance by the bookshop.” The store, located in Jinnah Super Market, is a renowned outlet frequently visited by diplomats, tourists, and avid readers.
The bookstore’s owner, Ahmed Saeed, who is currently in London, spoke to Dawn, protesting the FBR’s action and calling it unjustified. He said the incident had severely damaged his store’s 80-year-old reputation. “Though our store has been de-sealed, that’s fine. But if such situations persist and the government does not support us, then we will have no option but to close this 80-year-old legacy,” he said.
Mr. Saeed noted that the bookstore business is in a state of decline, with other well-known outlets like London Book Company and Mr. Book also struggling. He insisted that the issue was a minor one related to POS machines, not tax evasion. He explained that according to the Sales Tax Act, Schedule 6, books and educational stationery are exempt from this requirement.
“Some three months ago, we received a notice, and we submitted a reply to the FBR. After our reply, we assumed that the matter was resolved,” he said. “But suddenly, on Tuesday, the FBR team conducted a sealing operation and humiliated customers and staff.” He added that the FBR should have contacted them for a hearing instead of taking such a drastic measure. The Saeed Book Bank began its operations in Peshawar in 1974 before opening its Islamabad branch about 25 years ago.
Akhtar Gul, the manager of Saeed Book Bank, told Dawn that the issue has now been resolved. “Last night, FBR, on the intervention of the federal government, de-sealed our store, and we reopened it today,” he said, adding that customers were happy to see their beloved bookstore open again.
