Protest Politics
Pakistan is facing significant economic repercussions due to ongoing political protests, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb revealing a staggering daily loss of Rs190 billion.
The closures of roads, shutdowns, and disruptions sparked by opposition-led protests are the primary causes of these financial setbacks.
Aurangzeb’s statement came amid the opposition’s preparations for a massive protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
The protest, led by PTI founder Imran Khan, is being staged against what the opposition calls the “illegal” imprisonment of Khan and other party members, alleged electoral fraud in the February 8 general elections, and the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Speaking to Geo News, the finance minister highlighted the economic impact of such demonstrations. He explained that tax revenues decline during these periods as business activities are disrupted, leading to substantial losses in key sectors.
The export sector is particularly affected, with a daily loss of Rs26 billion due to interruptions in trade operations.
Aurangzeb pointed out that maintaining law and order during protests imposes additional financial burdens on the government, including increased expenses on security.
The IT and tech industries are also severely impacted, as connectivity issues and workforce disruptions hinder productivity.
The Ministry of Finance has compiled a comprehensive report detailing the economic damage caused by these protests.
According to the report, Pakistan’s GDP suffers a daily loss of Rs144 billion due to the ongoing strikes.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has taken a significant hit as well, with an estimated loss of Rs3 billion daily attributed to the unrest and uncertainty.
Provinces are bearing their own share of the burden, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Losses in agriculture amount to Rs26 billion per day, while the industrial sector incurs over Rs20 billion in daily damages, further exacerbating the economic toll.
Aurangzeb’s remarks underline the urgency of addressing the economic consequences of political instability, as the protests continue to drain resources and hinder Pakistan’s economic recovery.
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