PTI protests cost govt over Rs2 billion in 18 months

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protests and sit-ins over the past 18 months have incurred significant financial and logistical burdens on the government, costing over Rs2 billion, according to official figures obtained from government sources.

These protests, which began on May 9 last year, have taken a heavy toll on public funds, state infrastructure, and security personnel. The party has now announced that it will be holding a protest on November 24 (Sunday), which will also cost dearly to the national exchequer.

Financial breakdown

Official data reveals that Rs2.7 billion was spent managing PTI’s protests and sit-ins during this period. In the last six months alone, expenses surged to Rs1.2 billion due to intensified demonstrations in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Islamabad.

Moreover, damage to public and private property amounted to approximately Rs1.5 billion

This includes losses inflicted on Safe City cameras, valued at Rs280 million, during protests in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Additionally, 220 police vehicles were damaged, contributing further to the financial burden.

Key protest centres, security costs

Protests primarily centred in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Attock, and Islamabad, where over 30,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.

The cost of transporting security forces exceeded Rs900 million while catering and transport-related expenses for police reached approximately Rs1.5 billion.

To manage protests, authorities rented 3,000 containers at a cost of Rs800 million. Meanwhile, expenses for deploying Frontier Corps (FC), Rangers, and army personnel stood at Rs300 million.

Human cost

The human cost of these protests has also been significant. Four security personnel were martyred, and more than 220 were injured in clashes. 

Despite these challenges, law enforcement has been consistently mobilised to curb violence and maintain peace during demonstrations.

Upcoming protest adds to costs

Preparations for PTI’s upcoming protest on November 24 have already added to the expenses. According to sources, over 34,000 security personnel have been requested for deployment in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

An estimated Rs300 million or more is expected to be spent on this single event, with over 2,000 containers being transported to block key routes.

Scale of protests

In the last 18 months, PTI organised over 120 protests of varying scales across Punjab, KP, and Islamabad. These demonstrations strained the state machinery and disrupted daily life, further amplifying the economic impact.

The government’s data highlights the immense costs associated with managing political unrest, underscoring the financial and human toll of such prolonged protests.