ISLAMABAD: As supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan take to the streets once again, the opposition political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), protests and demonstrations over the last 18 months have cost Rs 2 billion to the national exchequer.
The protests, which began on May 9, 2023, have drained public funds and damaged government infrastructure.
The government sources said that the latest protest demonstration will further strain Pakistan’s already fragile financial resources.
Financial Breakdown
According to official data, the PTI’s protests and sit-ins have cost the government Rs 2.7 billion to date.
In the past six months alone, the mounting expenses have surged to Rs 1.2 billion, largely due to the growing intensity of protests across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Islamabad.
The destruction of public and private property has also contributed significantly to the financial toll.
An estimated Rs 1.5 billion in damages have been incurred, including the destruction of Safe City surveillance cameras worth Rs 280 million during protests in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Moreover, more than 220 police vehicles were damaged, adding to the government’s mounting expenses.
Security and Logistical Costs
The cost of maintaining law and order during these protests has been immense. Authorities have spent over Rs 800 million renting 3,000 containers to block roads and control crowds.
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Meanwhile, the deployment of security personnel, including the Frontier Corps (FC), Rangers, and army forces, has cost an additional Rs 300 million.
Over 30,000 security personnel have been stationed across key protest centres such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Attock, and Islamabad.
Transportation expenses for security forces have exceeded Rs 900 million, while catering and logistics for police personnel have amounted to roughly Rs 1.5 billion.
Human Toll
The human cost of these protests has also been significant. Four security personnel have been martyred, and more than 220 others injured in clashes.
The protracted unrest highlights not only the financial burden borne by the state but also the heavy toll on those tasked with maintaining order during such clashes.
