Imran Khan's PTI Protests Impact Pakistan's Economy

In Islamabad, Pakistan, protests led by Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have significantly impacted the country's economy. Over the past 18 months, these demonstrations have cost Pakistan PKR 2.7 billion, with PKR 1.2 billion spent in the last six months alone due to intensified protests in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad.

The protests, which began on May 9 last year, have caused damage to public and private property worth approximately PKR 1.5 billion. This includes damage to Safe City cameras valued at PKR 280 million and 220 police vehicles. The protests have been concentrated in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Attock, and Islamabad, requiring over 30,000 security personnel to maintain order.

The cost of transporting security forces has exceeded PKR 900 million, with additional expenses for police catering and transport reaching PKR 1.5 billion. Authorities rented 3,000 containers for PKR 800 million to manage the protests. Deploying Frontier Corps, Rangers, and army personnel added another PKR 300 million to the expenses.

The human cost has been significant, with four security personnel losing their lives and over 220 injured. Despite these challenges, law enforcement continues to work to maintain peace. Preparations for a recent protest in Rawalpindi and Islamabad involved over 34,000 security personnel and an estimated cost of PKR 300 million.

In total, PTI has organized over 120 protests across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad in the last 18 months.