Renowned Islamabad Bookstore De-Sealed Following FBR Action

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reopened Saeed Book Bank, one of the capital’s most prominent bookstores, located in Sector F-7’s Jinnah Super Market. The shop had been sealed earlier this week over non-compliance with the FBR’s Point of Sale (POS) integration system. According to officials, the bookstore was issued a notice in April directing it to link its POS system with the FBR. When the directive was not followed, the Regional Tax Office proceeded with sealing the premises on Tuesday. The outlet was later de-sealed after the management assured compliance. The action sparked backlash, as Saeed Book Bank is widely known among readers, diplomats, and tourists for its vast collection of books. Speaking to reporter in London, where he was attending a book fair, the store’s owner Ahmed Saeed strongly criticized the move, calling it “unjustified” and damaging to the 80-year-old reputation of his bookstore. “Though our store has been de-sealed, the damage is done. If such actions continue and the government fails to support us, I will have no choice but to shut down this legacy business and rent the space to coffee shops or food chains, which are far more profitable,” he said. Mr. Saeed stressed that the sealing was not linked to tax evasion but to what he termed a “minor POS registration issue,” which, according to him, does not even apply to bookshops. He cited Schedule 6 of the Sales Tax Act, which exempts books and educational stationery from sales tax. “Three months ago, we replied to an FBR notice and assumed the matter was closed. Instead of holding a meeting or hearing, they carried out a sealing operation that embarrassed our staff and customers,” he added. The bookstore, which began in Peshawar in 1974 before expanding to Islamabad 25 years ago, has long been considered a cornerstone of the city’s literary culture. Its closure sparked concern among readers. “I was disappointed when the shop was sealed. Now I’m relieved to see it open again. The government should be supporting bookstores, not targeting them,” said Mehboob Khan, a book lover from Sector G-6. Store manager Akhtar Gul confirmed that the outlet was reopened following government intervention. “The issue has now been resolved, and customers were delighted to see their favorite bookstore open again today,” he told reporters.