Saeed Book Bank Reopens After Seal — A Stop on Our Islamabad City Tour

Published: 10 September 2025 · Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

Summary: Saeed Book Bank — one of Pakistan’s prominent bookstores — was sealed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on 9 September for alleged non-compliance with the Point-of-Sale (POS) integration requirement. After the owners appealed to the court and obtained a stay order, the shop was de-sealed and reopened on 10 September. The bookstore remains one of the cultural stops on our Islamabad City Tour.

What happened

On 9 September 2025, FBR officials sealed Saeed Book Bank in Islamabad for an alleged failure to integrate a POS system that reports sales directly to the FBR portal. The POS mandate applies to many retail outlets and aims to provide real-time sales records to help ensure proper tax collection.

The owners promptly approached the court. Following the filing, the court granted an injunction (stay order) and the bookstore was de-sealed on 10 September, allowing normal trading to resume while the legal process continues.

Background on Saeed Book Bank

Saeed Book Bank began in Peshawar in 1955 and opened its Islamabad branch in 1999. Over decades the store has become a well-known destination for students, researchers and readers, selling books and a variety of stationery and educational supplies.

FBR position and the owners’ response

FBR officials say the POS system was required by prior notices and that businesses selling a range of items — not only books — fall under the POS mandate. For the tax authority, POS integration supports more effective collection of sales tax and helps prevent tax evasion.

The bookstore’s owner pointed to the Sales Tax Act (1990), arguing that sales of books and stationery for educational institutions are often exempt from sales tax. In court filings, the owners argued that where taxable supplies are not being made, forcing POS installation is unnecessary and that sealing the shop was an excessive measure. The owners have announced plans to pursue further legal action.

What this means for shoppers and visitors

Saeed Book Bank is open again and continues to serve its customers as before. The case highlights broader compliance challenges across stationery and large retail stores nationwide — many outlets remain non-compliant or under scrutiny due to the large volumes of sales they handle.

Tour note: Saeed Book Bank is included as a cultural stop on our Islamabad City Tour. On the tour we pause here to browse historic and contemporary titles, meet local booksellers, and learn about Pakistan’s literary and educational culture. If you are joining our Islamabad City Tour, this visit offers a short, authentic glimpse into the city’s intellectual life.

Contact & further information

For questions about the bookstore or to reserve a place on our Islamabad City Tour, please contact Travel & Culture Services or call our Islamabad office.