Saeed Book Bank back in business

PM Shehbaz orders reopening of 80-year-old bookstore after FBR closure sparks outrage

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed Saeed Book Bank, an 80-year-old bookstore in Islamabad known for its rare collection of books, for not being registered under sales tax. However, the outlet was de-sealed late at night on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Owner Ahmed Saeed expressed gratitude to the Daily Express and The Express Tribune for raising the issue. Speaking earlier, he said the FBR had abruptly sealed the bookstore three months ago without prior notice, causing serious damage to its reputation.

Saeed said that the FBR’s action had been challenged in court and they were awaiting relief from the judiciary. However, he expressed gratitude to prime minister for proving himself a true friend of books by ordering the immediate de-sealing of the ookstore.

He explained that, in response to a notice from the FBR regarding sales tax registration, his lawyer had already clarified that books and stationery items are exempt under the Sixth Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, and therefore, the store did not fall under mandatory registration. After this reply, no further notice or clarification was received from the FBR. Despite this, the outlet was sealed without warning.

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FBR officials, when contacted, said amendments in tax laws had brought the bookstore under sales tax registration, and that proper notices and legal procedures had been followed before sealing. They added that de-sealing would also be carried out in line with the law.

The matter gained traction on social media, prompting the premier to intervene and order the immediate de-sealing of the store. The directive was implemented the same night.

Saeed said the FBR’s move was disheartening, particularly at a time when book reading habits were already in decline and libraries were vanishing. “If people striving to preserve the culture of reading are treated like this, it discourages the promotion of books in society,” he lamented.

He added that, in his view, books and stationery remain exempt from sales tax, and if FBR had objections, they should have communicated whether their reply was accepted or not instead of suddenly sealing the outlet. “Where in the world do such things happen? If the trend of unfair treatment continues, many shopkeepers will shut down bookstores and turn them into cafés or restaurants,” he remarked.

Saeed had appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the Finance Minister to take notice of the FBR’s action. Shortly afterward, the Prime Minister directed the FBR to de-seal Saeed Book Bank, which was done the same night.