Protests could cost Rs120bn daily, Aurangzeb warns

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that protests and prolonged sit-ins could cause economic losses of around Rs120 billion per day, citing findings from research studies.

In a recorded televised message on Sunday, Aurangzeb issued the warning ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest march towards Islamabad on September 27. The government has said it will take measures to prevent the planned march.

The PTI has announced nationwide demonstrations for September 27, demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan and calling for the supremacy of the Constitution. The party has also planned a march towards the federal capital as part of its protest campaign.

Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) began its march towards Islamabad on Sunday. The party is seeking the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and has been pressing the government over fuel prices.

Aurangzeb said that protests and sit-ins could place additional pressure on the economy at a time when Pakistan was already facing economic challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

He described prolonged disruptions caused by protests as “self-inflicted pain”, warning that such activities could further affect economic activity and impose significant costs on the country.

The finance minister’s remarks come as political parties prepare for separate demonstrations in Islamabad, raising concerns about possible disruptions to economic and commercial activity.