Pakistan’s economy has suffered significant losses exceeding Rs600 billion due to the recent protests organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to government sources. These losses include daily economic setbacks of over ₹190 billion, as well as additional costs associated with maintaining law and order and repairing damages to public property.
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Major Economic Losses:
- GDP: In just three days, the country recorded a direct loss of ₹432 billion to the GDP.
- Tax Revenues: Tax revenues plummeted by ₹78 billion during the same period.
- Exports: The export sector incurred losses of ₹50 billion, while foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a decline of ₹10 billion.
- Business Disruptions: Protests led to the closure of motorways, metro services, and Islamabad’s business hub, Blue Area, further harming revenue generation for both the government and traders.
Impact on Key Sectors:
- Agriculture, Industrial, and Service Sectors: These sectors were significantly affected by the disruptions, with many businesses forced to shut down due to power outages and security concerns.
- IT and Telecom: The shutdown of internet services severely impacted the IT and telecom sectors, leading to the cancellation of both international and domestic orders.
- Public Frustration: Citizens have voiced concerns about food shortages and rising prices amid the turmoil. Business owners and traders have expressed frustration over the forced closure of their businesses, demanding compensation and a resolution to the ongoing economic instability.
This economic turmoil highlights the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing protests, with widespread disruptions affecting various industries and leading to an overall economic downturn.