PTI protests inflict Rs192 billion daily losses on Pakistan’s economy: Interior Ministry
The Interior Ministry has reported that recent violent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) caused significant economic losses, amounting to Rs192 billion per day. The protests also resulted in extensive damage to public and private property and disruptions to law and order.
According to the ministry’s press release, PTI protestors violated lawful orders and clashed with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Islamabad’s Red Zone on November 26. Armed with firearms, tear gas, stun grenades, and steel sling shots, the demonstrators attacked LEAs, who responded with non-lethal means to disperse the violent crowd. The Army was not involved in the riot control, and no live ammunition was used by police or Rangers.
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The ministry revealed that 39 weapons, including 18 automatic firearms, were recovered from the protesters. Among those detained were over three dozen paid foreign nationals. During the clashes, LEA personnel endured severe physical hardships, with many officers injured and several critically wounded. The violence also resulted in damage to 11 law enforcement vehicles, including prison vans that were set ablaze.
The press release accused PTI of orchestrating a “sustained propaganda campaign” on social media, using fabricated content and AI-generated clips to spread false claims of deaths caused by LEAs. It alleged that foreign media outlets were misled by this misinformation. The government clarified that the protests caused no fatalities due to LEA actions, a fact corroborated by credible evidence and statements from senior officials.
The ministry condemned the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for making inflammatory and baseless statements against national institutions. It criticized him for using the KP Assembly as a platform to spread misinformation and incite youth towards undesirable activities.
The press release emphasized that the people of Pakistan, including the citizens of KP, reject such violent and extremist politics. It reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to peace and stability while rejecting the divisive propaganda propagated by PTI.
In terms of material losses, initial estimates indicate damages running into hundreds of millions, with significant destruction to public infrastructure and law enforcement resources. The government reiterated its stance that all individuals involved in spreading fake news or engaging in violence, whether in Pakistan or abroad, will be held accountable under the law.
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